THE GAZETTE BOOK FOR 1877-8, 



» • ♦ 



lISIOE!OFNEElfii, 



ILLUSTRATED. 

Being a Complete Historical Sketch from the '• Early- 
Days" to the Present Time, with Interesting 
Incidents and Personal Reminiscences. 

C O N^ T A I N r N a ALSO 



A FULL AXD COMPLETE RECORD OF 

Neenah ^ Rebellion 

And a Complete City and Business Directory, 
BY 

G. A. CUmWIJfGHAM, 

EDITOR OF THE N^EENAH GAZETTE. 



To WHICH IS Appended Historical JSer:mons and Sketches by 

Resident Clergymen, Making a Complete 

Church History of Neenah. 



VRINTKU AT THE 

(iAZETTE PRINTING ESTABLISHMENT 
1 878. 









</v<r;f/J ^ 



dv^ 



PREFACE. 



'#1 



HIS work was undertaken with a view of furnishing a 
brief sketch of "early day" Xeenah history. The fact 
that but few remained to tell thestor}'' of pioneer times, 
^5^® made it desirable that such interesting and valuable 
'^ %'*^'^ reminiscences as alone could be given by the first set- 
tlers, should be secured before those who had taken an active 
part therein, had passed to that bourne from whence no traveler 
returns, 

Xo attempts have been made at fine writing, the object being 
to present, in a matter-of-fact way, the history of Xeenah in its 
various phases, to trace the same from the earhest date to the 
present time, and place all on permanent record. We have 
experienced considerable difficulty in securing authentic dates 
on early day occurrences, as three men generally have as many 
different versions of the same story, but we are satisfied that in 
the main, where positive assertions are made, they may be re- 
lied upon as substantially correct. 

The portion " Neenah in the RebeUion," we think will make 
the book a welcome guest in many homes, containing as it does 
the only complete and combined record of Neenah's part in 
that great conflict, and of the manv incidents of the time. 

The General and Business Directory will also prove an inval- 
uable feature, not only interesting at this time, but doubly so in 
the long years to come, when a gla.nce will show every man at 
this time a resident of the city or engaged in business therein. 

We are well aware that the book contains many imperfections, 
prepared amid a press of professional duties, and under many 
disadvantages for mechanical aids, it could not be otherwise. 
Still, as a whole, we offer the work to our friends and neighbors 
with the least little flush of pride, as we doubt if as complete 
a local history has yet been written of any Wisconsin town. 

O. A. CrNMIXGHAM. 



DEDICATION. 



TO THE PEOPLE OF NEENAH IN 

GENERAL, 

AND TO THE PURCHASER OP THIS BOOK IN 

PARTICULAR, 

THE SAME IS HOPEFULLY AND AFFECTIONATELY 

DEDICATED 

BY THE AUTHOK. 



CONTENTS. 



CONTENTS. 



FIRST (TIAPTEK. 
The First White Man— Fatlier Marquette — Date of Discov- 
ery — Marquette's Death— Tlie Indian Tribes Inhabiting 
this Section — Aboriginal History and Traditions— " Hill of 
the Dead" — Account of the Battle of Little Buttes Des 
Mortes — Wisconsin Under the F>ench— Changes Which 
Followed — Natural Beauty of this Section — Retrospective, 
Etc., Etc 13 

SE(X)\D (CHAPTER. 
Scheme of the (Tovernment to Civilize the Indians — Mills 
Built and Houses Erected for Their Use on the Present 
Site of Neenah — Men are Sent to Teach Them the Science 
of Agriculture — Location of the Houses Built — The Terri- 
tory is Ceded to the United States in 1886 by the Menom- 
inees — C'onsequent ( blapse of the S(;heme for Improving 
the Condition of the Indians — Sale of the Property to 
Harrison Reed in 1843 20 

ITIIRD CHAPTER. 
Reed Purchases M^innebago Rapids, Oct. 2, 1843 — Occurren- 
ces and Embarrassments Following the Purchase— Com- 
ing of the First Settlers — Pendleton and Mansur — Arrival 
of Yining and Harlow, Aug. 28, 1844 — Incidents Attend- 
ing Their Introduction to This Locality — Condition of 
Affairs at that Time— They Run the Old Government 
Mills— Ira Baird and Family Arrive in December, 1845— 
Thrilling Incident Attending Their Journey 31 

FOURTH CHAPTER. 

First Survey of Lands in this V^icinity — First Lands Entered 
—Concerning the Sale of Lands on the Island, Which 



THE "GAZETTE" BOOK FOR 1877-8, 



Occurred in 1835 — Prices Paid — Who Purchased— Gov. 
Doty Builds the *' Grand Loggery " — Date and Circum- 
stance of His Arrival in the State — Difficulties Encount- 
ered in Entering Lands Hereabouts— Signification of the 
Name "Neenah" — Incident in Relation Thereto— The 
"Council Tree." 41 

FIFTH CHAPTER. 

Incidents in Connection With the Arrival and Residence of 
Harrison Reed — Who Were Here on His Arrival — His 
AVagon the First to Cross the Fox River at Oshkosh — He 
Procures a Postoffice and Names it Neenah, in 1844 — 
Simon Quatermas the First Mail-carrier— P)uilds the First 
Barge, the " Growler"— His Daughter Nina the First 
WhiteChild Born in Neenah 47 

SIXTH CHAPTER. 

James Ladd — His Recollections of Pioneer Days — Arrival in 
Neenah, 1846 — Builds the First Bridge Across the Big 
Slough — Builds the Winnebago House, 1847 — First Town 
Meeting 50 

SEVENTH CHAPTER. 

1846— First Year of Actual Settlement— Quite a Number 
Arrive in this Year and Take Up Lands — First Birth — 
First Marriage — First Death — ]Marriage Under the Coun- 
cil Tree 54 

EIGHTH (TIAPTER. 

Rev. O. P. Clinton's Arrival— He Advises the Jones' to Come 
to Neenah — Circumstances Which Led to Their Becom- 
ing Interested Here— Loyal H. Jones Visits the Place in 
May, 1846 — Harvey Jones First Visits Neenah in Septem- 
ber of the Same Year — Made a Second Visit in 1847, and 
Came Here for Permanent Residence in 1848 — Lived at 
the Old House Near the Council Tree — Built the Second 
Frame Building in Neenah, Ktc 58 



CONTENTS. 



NINTH CHAPTER, 
Death of Harvey Jones. Nov. 8, 1849 — Personal Appearance 
Incidents — AV^hen and Where Born — The Management of 
His Estate— L. H. Jones and E. W. Drury, Administrat- 
ors 63 

TENTH CHAPTER. 
Great Interest Taken at Neenah and Menasha in the Fox 
River Improvement— Strife to Secure its Location — Par- 
ticulars of the Final Decision— A Bit of History — Short 
Account of the Improvement 69 

ELEVENTH CHPATER. 
Recollections of Rev. O. P. Clinton — His Arrival at the 
Rapids — Stojis With Harrison Reed — Incidents in Con- 
nection With Holding Religious Services in the Early 
Days — Places AV'here He Preached — A Trip to Green Bay 
— John R. Kimberly's Advice to the Brewer — Early Day 
Incidents— Killing Bear and Deer on the Island 76 

TWELFTH CHAPTER. 

Business and Improvements on the Water- Power — The Old 
Saw Mill Built by Harvey Jones, and Run Many Years by 
Robert Hold— J. and H. Kimberly BuiM the First Flour 
Mill— The Old Empire Mill— The Fox River Mills— The 
Stone and Brick Mills— Brown's Stave Works — Neenah 
Stove Works— Neenah Plow Works — Aylward's Plow 
Works — Other Improvements and Changes 81 



j THIRTEENTH CHAPTER. 

The First St<..re, by Jones & Yale— J. t% H. Kimberly Build 

1 the Brick Store — Early Day Trading — Hard Times — 

Smith's Block— View of Wisconsin Ayenue in 1S56— E. <& 

H. Smith— Alex. Bihstein— Other Early Day Business 

Men— Building of Pettibone Block — Later Changes on the 

Street, Etc 88 

FOURTEENTH (CHAPTER. 
Contains a Condensed Histoi-y of Local Happenings for a 
Term of Six Years, Extending from 1871 to 1878 9fc) 



10 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK FOR 1877-8. 



FIFTEENTH CHAPTER. 
Concluding Remarks — Neenah in 1878 — A Prediction — 
"Hard Times" — The Unusual Weather and Depressed 
Business in 1877-8 116 

SIXTEENTH CHAPTER. 

NEENAH IN THE REBELLION- 
Effect on Our Community of the Declaration of War — The 
First Enlistments— Exciting Times— Complete Record of 
Co. "G," Third Regiment— List of Killed, Wounded and 
Discharged — Roster of the Company as Mustered Out of 
the Service, with Particulars of Promotions, Changes, Etc. 118 

SEVENTEENTH (CHAPTER. 
History of Co. " K," 11th Regiment — Enlistment of the Sec- 
ond Company, bj' C. J. Wheeler — The Recruiting Office 
and First Drills — Incidents of the Time -History of the 
Company from the Day it LeftNeenah — Names of Officers 
and Men, with Their Record in the Service 131 

EIGHTEENTH CHAPTER. 
The Last Full. Comjmny Going from Neenah, Raised by 
Simeon B. Nelson and Abner B, Smith — Particulars of the 
Enlistments — History of the Company— Full List of Offi- 
cers, Men, Etc 140 

NINETEENTH CHAPTER. 

SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF HARVEY JONES. 
His Arrival in Neenah in 1846 154 

TWENTIETH CHAPTER. 
Unconsidered Paragraphs — The Indian Scare — A Remark- 
able Incident — Neenah Steamboats— The St. Paul— An 
Early-day Duel — The First Telephone—" The Hundred 
Day Men," Etc 164 

TWENTY-FIRST CHAPTER. 
The Railroads — Building of the Chicago & Northwestern- 
Building of the Wisconsin Central — List of Village Presi- 
dents—Public Schools 170 



CONTENTS. 11 

TWENTY-SECOND CHAPTER. 
Civic Societies— Masons, Odd Fellows, Temperance Soci- 
eties, Knights of Honor, etc 175 

TWENTY-THIRD CHAPTER. 
Neenah as a Summer Resort and Watering Place 182 

TWENTY-FOURTH CHAPTER. 

The Manufacturing Interests of Neenah, Illustrated 184 

Genei'al City Directory 207 

General Business Directory 

APPENDIX. 
Historical Sermons by J. E. Chapin, and Sketches of Church 
History bv Other Resident Pastors 



*^fe?»^ 



—'^<?^.^Jk^^Q^^ie^— 



(SWf ^Uitf^ in JremQh, 



FIRST CHAPTER. 



BEFORE THE SETTLEMENT 



The First AViiite Man— Father Marquette — Date op Discov- 
ery — Marquette's Death— The Indian Tribes Inhabiting 
this Section — Aboriginal History and Traditions — " Hill 
OF the Dead" — Account of the Battle — AVisconsin Under 
THE French — Changes AVhich Followed — Natural Beauty 
of this Section — Retrospective, Etc.. Etc. 



iflftlSTORTANS differ as to the exact date, hut we 
Mllf ^^^ reasonably safe in saying that two hundred 
^,M|'J and five years ago, or in the year 167'2. tlie eye 
Mdp^' of the white man first viewed the wooded hanks 
and green slopes where now stands our beiuitifnl city. 
Then the voice of the '* pale face " first broke the still- 
ness of the primeval forest and waked the echoes along 
these shores. The canoe of the discoverer then breasted 
the rippling currents of the noble Fox, and the paddle of 
the white man tor the first time stirred the placid waters 
of our beautiful Winnebago. 

The seasons for more than two hundred years have 
come and gone, seven generations have lived and died 
since then, and the red savage who was sole possessor of 



14 



NEENAH LOCAL HISTORY. 



this broad domain has disappeared before the march of 
civilization and is now little other than an object of 
curiosity or a fading memory of the past. 

At this date, viz., 1672,* the famous Father Marquette 
made his first voyap:e from Mackinaw, up the Lower 
Fox, through Lake Winnebago, again up the Fox, and 
down the Wisconsin to the Mississippi. Tn the trip he 
passed this point, camping, no doubt, on the bank of the 
river, before entering the lake. He and his companions 
here lay and listened to the dismal hoot of the owl in 
the dark woods, the splash of the otter in the rippling 
stream, or the cry of the straggling savage returning 
from the hunt; all this where now is 
chinery, the flash of a thousand lights, 
and sounds of a busy city. 

This particular locality was highly prized by the In 



the roar of ma- 

and all the sights 



* There is considerable conflict of opinion on tills subject, some 
writers averins; that in 1639 Jean Nicolet visited the country 
bordering on Green Bay, and explored the Fox river, descend- 
ino; the Wisconsin to the Mississippi. No doubt the French 
missionaries knew of the existence of the Mississippi, as De -Soto 
had, nearly one hundred years previous, explored the " Great 
Water" as far as the confluence of the Missouri, 

In a quaint old volume \n the writer's possession, entitled "Old 
Mackinaw, or The Fortress of the Lakes," the author unequivo- 
cally states that Marquette was the first white man to explore 
the Fox river beyond the mission of St. Francis Xavier, near 
the present site of De Fere. We quote : 

"On the 7th of June, havin«; sailed upwards of two hundred 
miles, Marquette and h.is party reached the mission of St. Fran- 
cis Xavier. They 1ia<l now reached the limit of all former 
French or Fhishsh discoveries. The new and unknown West 
spread out before them, and the thousand dangers and hard- 
ships by river and land, heightened by tales of horror related to 
them by the Indians, were presented to their imagination. 
Resolutely determined to prosecute the enterprise committed 
to their charge, they knelt upon the shore of Fox river to renew 
their devotions and obtain the Divine guidance and protection. 
Encouraged by past success, and urged on by a strong faith, 
they launched their canoes upon the bosom of the Fox river, 



THE GAZETTE'^ BOOK, FOR 1877-8. 15 



dians, bein.^ to them a veritable "happy hunting oround." 
The waters of* river and lake swarmed with fish and fur- 
bearing animals, and was darkened by great flocks of 
ducks and geese; here, too, was a great point for the 
cultivation of Indian corn — the old corn-hills are even 
now to be seen at the east end of the Island, on the 
"point," and indeed all along the lake shore. There is 
much in the fate of these unfortunate beings to awdken 
our liveliest sympathies. " What can be more n)elan- 
cholly than their history? By a law of their nature, 
the}^ seem to be destined to a shnv, but sure extinction. 
Everywhere, at the approach of the white man, they 
fade away. We hear tlie rustling of their footsteps, like 
that of the withered leaves of autumn, and they are gone 
forever. They pass mournfully by us, and they return 

and breaking the silence of its shores b}^ tlie dip of their pad- 
dles, they sailed up its current. When they reached the rapids 
of that river, it was with ditticulty they were enabled to proceed. 
There was not power enongli in the paddles of tlie two canoes 
to stem the current, and they were obliged to wade up the rap- 
ids on the jagged rocks, and thus tow them along.'' 

Marquette made the secrond visit to the tribes m Illinois in 
the year 1674, this time coasting along the shore of Lake Michi- 
gan, and cold weather overtaking bun before the jcurney was 
completed, he spent the winter at the mouth of the Chicago 
river. The following spring Marquette wastaken ill, wliile n(^ar 
the headwaters of the Illinois river, and having a premonition 
that he would not survive, he wished, if possible,"to return to 
Mackinaw. He was accompanied by two Frenchmen, and upon 
reaching Lake Michigan thev embarked in a birch bark canoe 
to make their way to the Straits. Marquette's bealtli failed, 
and before they could reach their destination it became apj)ar- 
ent that the journey of life for the good missionary was rapidly 
drawing to a close. Again we quote from the work named above: 

"Conscious of his approaching dissolution, as they were gent- 
ly gliding along the shore, he directed his companions to paddle 
into the mouth of a small river which they were nearing, and 
pointing to an eminence not far from the bank, he languidly 
said, "Bury me there.'' That river, to this day bears the name 
of the lamented Marquette." 

He died Mav 18th, U)7o, aged :58 years. 



16 NEENAH LOCAL HISTORY. 



no more. Two centuries ago, the smoke of their wig- 
wams and the fires of their councils rose in every valley, 
from Hudson's Bay to the farthest Florida, from the 
ocean to the Mississippi and the lakes. The shouts oi 
victory and the war-dance rang through the mountains 
and the glades. The quick arrows and the deadly toma- 
hawk whistled through the forests; and the hunter's 
track and dark encampment startled the wild beasts in 
their lairs. The warriors stood forth in their glory. 
The young listened to the songs of other days. The 
mothers played with their infants, and gazed on the 
scene with warm hopes of the future. The aged sat 
down; hut they wept not. They should soon be at rest 
in fairer regions, where the Great Spirit dwelt, in a home 
prepared for the brave, beyond the western skies. Brav- 
er men never lived; truer men never drew the bow. 
They had courage and fortitude, and sagacity, and per- 
severance, beyond most of the human race. They 
shrank from no dangers, and they feared no hardships. 
If the}^ had the vices of savage life, they had the vir- 
tues also. They were true to their country, their 
friends, and their homes. If they forgave not injury, 
neither did they forget kindness. If their vengeance 
was terrible, their fidelity and generosit}' were unconq- 
uerable also. Their love, like their hate, stopped not 
on this side of the grave.'' 

Of all the tribes of men who then held undisputed 
sway, there is nought remaining but their names. From 
the consolidated tribes of Sacs and Foxes, the river that 
flows through our city, the same to-day as then, was 
named the Fox. Truly, the broad rolling river might 
say, ''Men may come, and men may go, but I flow on 
forever." 



THE ''GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 17 



Our beautiful lake received its name from the Win- 
iiebagoes, who lived upon its shores, and the Oiitagaiu- 
ies are remembered in the county joining us on the 
north. Here the tribes met around their council fires 
and declared war or made i>eace, up and down these 
waters passed the missionaries who in early days raised 
the symbol of the cross all along this water route, from 
Mackinaw to the Mississippi, and along the shores of 
river and lake wound the great trail whicii made the 
main route north and south. Here, too, was fought one 
of the greatest and most disastrous battles occurring 
during the wars between the French and Indians. 

Northwest of the city, on the shore of Little Lake 
Buttes des Mortes, at the point intersected by the C. & 
N. W. R. R., in early days was to be seen a high, large 
mound, which uiarked the l)iirial place of hundreds of 
Indians killed at that spot. The following account of 
this famous battle we quote from Harney's History, and, 
though doubting that so great a number were killed as 
stated, still the general description is, no doubt, nearly 
correct: 

THE BATTLE OF LITTLE BUTTES DES MORTS. 

''The stronghold and principal village of tlie Sacs and 
Foxes was on the banks of the Little Buttes des Morts, 
below Doty's Island. They were fortified by mounds and 
ditches, and attacked the traders in their passage up and 
down the river, from whom they demanded tribute. 
The boats were obliged to stop and comply with their 
extortionate exactions. So annoying had this become 
that an expedition was fitted out against them under the 
command of Capt. Morand, in ITiC., He proceeded w^ith 
a large fleet of Durham boats and canoes, covered with 
oil-cloth to conceal the cargo. When he neared the 



18 NEENAH LOCAL HISTORY. 



Indian blockade he sent a land detachment to attack 
them in the rear. When he came opposite the village, 
the Indians, as usual, signalled him to stop. He at once 
complied with the request, and, when the boats ap- 
proached the shore, the Indians thronged the bank in 
great numbers, preparatory to boarding the boats, when, 
to their surprise, the oil-cloth was thrown off, and, in- 
stead of the rich booty they were so eager to obtain, 
several hundred armed men arose and poured into them 
a deadly discharge of musketry. The detachment that 
was formerly landed came up and cut off their retreat. 
More than a thousand warriors perished in this short 
and decisive battle. The French expedition proceeded 
up the Upper Fox and down the Wisconsin to Prairie 
du Chien, where another great battle occurred with the 
Fox tribe — who had long made war on the whites and 
the more peaceful tribes, their allies,— which, with the 
battle at ''Little Butte," nearly annihilated the hostile 
and savage Foxes, and secured the safety of the river 
passage to the whites and more peaceful tribes. The 
mounds at Little Buttes des Morts are commemorative 
of the disasters which ended the supremacy of the Fox 
Indians." 

This section was for many years under the govern- 
ment of France, and this river route was the scene of 
their expeditions for conquest or trade, in which they 
were constantly engaged with the Indians. '' New 
France,'' as this whole Northwest was called, was a land 
of great promise to the people of that far-away country 
from whom it took its name, and from whence came the 
adventurous spirits who raised the tri-color along the 
great lakes and this river route. In 1759 "New France'' 
passed into the possession of the English, the territory 



THE ''GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 19 



embraced at that time inclii cling, of course, Wisconsin. 
In 1761 the British first took possession of the fort at 
Green Bay. 

The trade in furs was, in those days, of vast import- 
ance, and this section was especially rich in this product. 
This territory was under the dominion of France ninety- 
nine years; of Great Britain thirty -one years: of the 
Colony of Virginia six years, and latterly under the 
jurisdiction of Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan, and fin- 
ally, in 1836, it was organized as a territory under the 
name of Wisconsin. 

This particular section is rich in aboriginal and tra- 
ditional history, and it would be a pleasure to dwell up- 
on the subject more at length, but the nature of this 
little work is such, and our space so necessarily limited, 
that we must needs pass at once to speak of the first 
white settlers. 



— ^^^ ^Jft^^kSI?^««§^^ 



30 NEENAH LOCAL HISTORY. 



SECOND CHAPTEPt. 



THE GOVERNMENT IMPROVEMENTS. 



Scheme of the Goverxment to Civilize the Indians — Mills 
ARE Built and Houses Erected for Their Use on the Pres. 
ENT Site of Neenah — Men are Sent to Teach Them the 
Science of Agriculture — Location of the Houses Built — 
The Territory is Ceded to the U, S. in 1836 by the Me- 
nominees — Consequent Colapse of the Scheme for Improv- 
ing the Condition of the Indians — Sale of the Property 
TO Harrison Reed, 1848. 



i^mJ 



iJf]^|NLTKE other localities, this point has a history 

precediiis^ the first actual settlements, and to 

properly prepare and pave the way for intro- 

i^ ducing our pioneer sketches, we will first explain 

the condition of thinos immediately prior to the date 

at which the first settlers located here. 

THE MENOMINEE RESERVATION. 

The lands north of the Pox river, that is the Upper 
Fox, and west of Lake Winnebago, had been put aside 
as a reservation for the benefit of and occupancy by the 
Menominee tribe of Indians. 

At that time, Fond du Lac was the extreme nor- 
therly limit of civilization, excepting the settlements at 
Green Bay and other lake shore points, with an attempt 
at forming a settlement on the south side of the Fox 
near the present site of Oshkosh. This entire section 



THE 'GAZETTE" BOOK, FOR 1877-8. 21 



was then known as the '' Indian hind," and as the lands 
were in no vvay in market, and no prospect of soon being, 
there was of course no attempt at settlement. 

IN 1835-6 
The Government became interested in a scheme for civ- 
ilizing and improving the condition of the Indians in 
this territory, and at this particular point it was pro- 
posed to locate a village, from whence the civilizing in- 
fluences were to flow, which would make of the roving 
Menominee and Pottavx^atamie a scientific tiller of the 
soil, and a general adept in the arts and sciences. For 
the furtherance of this scheme the Government erected 
a grist mill, which was in existence, and still known as 
the Old Government Mill, until destro^'-ed by fire in the 
spring of 1874. A saw mill was also built, on the site 
of which now stands the Neenah Paper Mills. 
These mills were erected by the Government for the use 
and benefit of the Indians. To secure the requisite 
water-power, a wing-dam was run out into the river in- 
tercepting and turning quite a stream into the race way 
which was dug to the newly built mills. This race 
followed the course of that now known as the " south 
race." In addition to the mills, the Government caused 
to be built twenty or thirty houses, including a school 
house and blacksmith shop, the latter fully equipped 
with tools and requisite supplies. Most of these build- 
ings were sixteen by twenty feet in size, made of hewn 
logs, and put up as good as the circumstances would ad- 
mit of. These were to be given to the Indians for their 
use, and for models vvhereby the}' could build others. 
Five of them were of more pretentious dimensions, being- 
two stories high and provided with a " wing.'' These 
also were built of hewn logs, though otherwise finished 



32 NEENAH LOCAL HISTORY. 



ofp in quite good shape, for the work being done under 
Government direction, no expense was spared. These 
large houses were for the use of the men who were to 
run the grist and saw mills, also for the use of those who 
were sent here to teach the Indians the art of agricul- 
ture, &c. Of the latter there was provision made for four. 
These "farmers" were paid a salary of ^f 800 per annum, 
the amount being allowed tln^n from the Indian reserve 
fund. A school teacher and blacksmith was furnished 
them under the same plan. As might be expected, the 
Indians did not take kindly to the means provided for 
their education and improvement, and the extent of the 
experimental " farming," as one of the earliest settlers 
has told us, was for the " teachers " to get enough In- 
dians'around to do the work required to cultivate a patch 
of corn and potatoes for said " farmers' " own especial 
benefit. As for the Indians using the houses, it is said 
that they would pull out the floors and build fires on the 
ground instead of using the fire-place and chimney, 
while others would stable their ponies in the houses 
while they pitched their camp outside. 

The five large houses were located as follows: One 
on the lake shore near the point, and on land now owned 
by Mr. Holbrook, is still to be seen (1878). One on the 
lake shore near the present residence of Mr. Lachmai] at 
the east end of Wisconsin avenue, and was for j'ears the 
residence of Harrison Reed. One near the old grist mill 
(present Winne))ago Paper Mills) was for many years 
occupied by Loyal H Jones. One on the Blair farm, 
and one on the Neff place, not far from the '' Hill of the 
Dead." Everyone of these buildings were still to be seen 
when the writer came to this place. The model block 
houses were scattered along at different points, ami all 



THE 'GAZETTE" BOOK, FOR 1877-8. 23 



were not completed at the time the place was abandoned. 
The settlement was at that time called Winnebaoo 
Rapids It must be borne in mind that these improve- 
ments were all carried forward under Government direc- 
tion, and at Government expense, and were for the ben- 
efit of the Indians, there beino; then no white men here 
as actual settlers. 

This Utopian scheme was brought to a speedy close, 
however, as by a treaty made between the Menominee 
Indians and Gov. Dodge, at Cedar Rapids, (near Apple- 
ton), in 1836, this whole territory passed into the hands 
of the Government, and as a consequence the improve- 
ments made at this point were brought to a sudden ter- 
mination and shortly after deserted by those who had 
l)een here under the employ of the Government. 

From that time till the year 1843, the place was com- 
paratively abandoned, occupied only by Indians and 
occasional wandering trappers or traders. To nearly 
every resident of the city this information is first con- 
veyed through this little book, and to think of this set- 
tlement with its mills, school house and shops lying 
idle and disused for several years, forms an almost un- 
paralleled bit of local history. The next record we 
have is in the passage of the property from the control 
of the Government into the possession of private i)arties, 
and the histcuy of this transaction will prove especiall}' 
interesting, as it was in nian}^ respects peculiar, being 
brought abojt by mere chance, and it also afterwards 
proved to be a transaction which aflFected the permanent 
and entire interests of the future city. The foil owing- 
description of the place, as it appeared at that time, also 
to show the difficulties to be encountered in reaching 
this section, is thus given by Mr. Henry A. Gallup, one 



34 NEENAH LOCAL HISTORY. 



of the first two men to locate at Oshkosh. The following 
is his description oi the trip from Green Bay to Lake 
Winnebago, in 1836: 

"When we left Ohio our destination was Lake Win- 
nebago, and leaving our father, and mother, and sister 
in good quarters at Green Bay, myself and brother start- 
ed for that particular locality without making any in- 
quiries, except as to the direction and distance. We 
started on foot, our course being up the Fox river. A 
sandy road of five miles, thickly settled by French and 
half-breeds, with quaint looking houses, many of them 
surrounded by palisades and the windows secured by 
shutters, brought us to Depere, a rival of Green Bay. 
Here we found quite a number of houses, and extensive 
preparations for building more. We were told here it 
was necessary to cross the river, and were accordingly 
ferried over in a skiff, an Indian trail pointed out to us 
to follow, and were told it was ten miles to the first 
house. Five miles carried us beyond civilization We 
expected to find a new country, but were quite unpre- 
pared to find it entirely unsettled, and a foot path ten 
miles in length struck me as remarkable. Our trail led 
ns directly along the river. Some times we were on the 
top of the hill, and then our path would wind down to 
the very water's edge to avoid some deep ravine, as 
nature seldom makes bridges. The scenery was beauti- 
ful, the side of the river we were upon was quite open, 
while the other side was heavily timbered. The waters 
of the broad river undisturbed, except by an occasional 
Indian canoe, which seemed to float so beautifully; we 
were sorry we had not adopted that mode of travel. 
Our trail would sometimes pass through a grove of wild 
plum and crab-apple trees with scarcely room enough 



THE ''GAZETTE'^ BOOK, FOR 1877-8. 25 



for a person to pass, which suggested to us ambuscades, 
and we were always glad when we were through them. 
Indian lile was the mode of traveling in those days. 
Our ten miles was soon over; when we came down upon 
a low natural prairie covered with a luxuriant growth 
of grass; the river had quite an expansion, and in it were 
several little grass islands. This was Petit Kack-a-lin, 
and here was the house spoken of; a log house, with the 
same lay out buildings, and surrounded by a dozen In- 
dian wigwams. This was the residence of Eleazer Wil- 
liams, the veritable Dauphin of France; but he was as 
ignorant of the fact at that time as we were ourselves. 
As we approached the house, we were beset with an 
army of Indian dogs, and their bark was as intelligible 
to us as anything we heard on the premises. The In- 
dians looked their astonishment at seeing two Kich-e- 
ma-ka-man boys in their encampment. We made 
many inquiries of them, but got laughed at for our 
pains. As none of Williams' family could be found, it 
seemed like seeking information under difficulties; and 
finding the trail that led up the river, we pushed on, 
feeling satisfied that if we had gained no information, 
we had not imparted any, so the Indians and we were 
even. Our next point, we had been told, was Grand 
Kack-a-lin, which, for some reason— perhaps the name 
— we supposed was quite a place. About sundown, we 
came down from the high bank upon which our trail 
had been, upon the most beautiful flat of land I ever saw 
covered with a tuft of short grass and dotted all over 
with little groves of crab-apple and plum trees. The 
flat contained perhaps a hundred acres, the hill enclos- 
ing it in the shape of a cresent, and the boiling rapid 
river in front, which here is more than half a mile in 



36 NEENAH LOCAL HISTORY. 



width. Here we found several large springs, very strong- 
ly impregnated with sulphur, at which we drank. Upon 
this flat we discovered a large pile of buildings which 
consisted of a large dwelling house and trading post, 
with the necessary out buildings, and belonging to Mr. 
Grignon, an Indian trader. This was the Grand Kack- 
a-lin, but the name is applied to the rapids in the river. 

Our greeting here was still more cordial than at our 
last place of callirig, as there were more dogs. At this 
house we applied for food and lodgings, but without 
success. Things began to have rather an unpleasant 
look, and we began to think we were too far from home 
— twenty mib^s from Green Bay and fifteen miles from 
any place. 

On looking about the premises we discovered, for the 
first time that day after crossing the river, something 
that wore pantaloons; and on accosting him, found that 
he could speak English. He was half negro, and the 
balance Stockbridge Indian. He informed us that Mr. 
Grignon was not at home, and there w:ould be no use in 
trying to get accommodations in his absence. That he 
lived directly on the opposite side of the river — that his 
canoe would not carry us— but he would get an Indian 
to take us over, and that we should be his guests over 
night To all these propositions we readily consented, 
and procuring an Indian to take us across, we got into 
a log canoe, when our ferryman, an old Indian of per- 
haps eighty or ninety years, taking his position in the 
stern with a shoving pole, shoved us safely through the 
boiling waters. Passing the night under the hospitable 
roof of our mixed friend, we hailed our native ferryman, 
and were again soon upon our march. Passing rapidly 
along, we came pat upon an Indian in a kneeling pos- 



THE ^^ GAZETTE" BOOK, FOR 1877-8. 27 



ture beside the trail and at the foot of a tall post, upon 
the top of which was a gilded rooster, while in a side 
box set in the post was the infant Jesus. We were 
quite startled, but Mr. Indian maintained a perfect grav- 
ity, and we left him at his morning orisons. 

At a point five miles from the Grand Kack-a-lin^ 
called Little Chute, we found a Catholic Mission in 
course of erection, to which Nyni Crinkle gives a verj^ 
ancient origin. The manner of building was a curious 
one, which was by setting up posts about eight feet 
apart, and then filling up between with small logs and 
pinning througli the posts into the end of tlie logs. 
There were but one or two men at work upon it. It 
was afterwards occupied by a Catholic prii^st, who was 
also a pliysician, and administered to one body of the 
Menominee Indians, ))oth bodily and spiritually, with 
very beneficial results. Five miles further brought us 
to the Grand Chute, now Appleton. Here was a per- 
pendicular fall in the river of seven feet, but close to the 
shore the rock had worn away so that a boat could take 
the plunge in going down, and be led up by ropes if 
quite light. Here the Durham boats, which did all the 
freighting at that time up and down the river, were 
obliged to discharge their freight and roll it ahuig undor 
the bank on poles to above the fall. The boats were 
then lifted and dragged up by a large party of In- 
dians and reloaded above. The amount of freighting 
was then considerable. All the Government supplies- 
for Fort Winnebago was passed up this way and detach- 
ments of soldiers often passed in the same manner. 
Nothing could exceed the grandeur of the scenery at this 
point, everything at that time being in its wild and nat- 
ural state, and no habitation within miles. Just below 



38 NEENAH LOCAL HISTORY. 



the falls, at the mouth of a little ravine, was a little plat 
of grass turf among a grove of plum and forest trees, 
entwined with wild grape vines, which was the favorite 
camping ground, and a more enchanting spot was never 
found. I had the pleasure of camping here two nights 
that same fall, in the month of November under most 
unfavorable circumstances— a crew of drunken Indians 
with nothing but the canopy of Heaven above us. But 
still the place had attractions for me. Following the 
bank of the river a short distance above, our trail sud- 
denly diverged from the river, and we found ourselves 
floundering throui^rh the woods and mud of Mud Creek. 
This was the first place we had found but what had 
some attraction. This was dismal enough. A few miles 
and we emerged into another enchanting spot of ground 
known as Little Butte des Morts, or the Mounds of the 
Dead. Here on a rising piece of ground are several 
large mounds where the dead of some Indian battle had 
been buried. An expansion of the river here is called 
Little Buttes des Morts Lake, at the upper end of which 
appears to be quite a village. This was Winnebago 
Rapids, (now Neenah). Here the Government had 
built a grist and saw mill and had commenced the build- 
ing of a large number of small log houses for the Me- 
nominee Indians, which were in different stages of com- 
pletion, when the work was stopped by the Indians 
consenting to sell the land to the Government. Some 
of the houses the Indians had taken possession of by 
tearing out the floors and pitching their tents on the 
ground inside the walls. They were also furnished 
with four farmers to instruct the Indians in farming^ at 
a salary of $800 per annum, which the Indians paid. 
These farmers were the only inhabitants of the place, at 



THE 'GAZETTE" BOOK, FOR 1877-8. 



29 



the house of one of whom, Mr. Clark Dickinson, we 
were welcomed and furnished with our dinner. We 
could make but a short stay, as we still had sixteen miles 
to travel without a habitation." 

After lying for some time in a deserted condition 
it was decided by the Government, through the War 
Department, to offer the mill site, with the buildings, 
improvements, personal property, etc., for sale, and to 
this end it was advertised to be sold at auction. The 
official record of the act authorizing this transaction is 
as follows: "These lands were sold by the War Depart- 
ment under act of Congress authorizing the sale of the 
lands, with the improvements thereon erected by the 
United States, for the use of their agents, teachers, 
farmers, mechanics, and other persons employed among 
the Indians. Approved March 3, 1843.'' 

To further this object, the Government caused ad- 
vertisements to be inserted in several papers, and among 
them was a paper published in Milwaukee. Harrison 
Reed was at this time interested in the Milwaukee paper 
and the announcement of the sale attracted his attention 
and he determined to investigate the matter in his own 
interest. To this end he consulted with Judge Doty, 
with whom he was acquainted, and Doty, knowing the 
location of the property and its value, advised Reed to 
buy it. Acting on this suggestion and his own convic- 
tion that it would prove a profitable investment, he bid 
off the property at the government sale in 1843, agree- 
ing to pay for the same a sum between three and four 
thousand dollars. This sale bears date Oct. 2, 1843. 
The inventory included the mills, water-power, several 
hundred acres of land, and all the buildings and im- 
provements thereon. It also included the blacksmith 



30 NEENAH LOCAL HISTORY. 



shop, with its outfit and stock of iron, a quantity of 
sash, doors, nails, glass, lumber, carts, wagons, chains, 
tools, etc., also a quantity of loos {md timber which 
had been cut and rafted i)y the Government, with the 
expectation of cutting at the mill. 

It was indeed a great bargain, and Reed entered npon 
his possessions in high spirits, and as the sole owner of 
the village of Winnebago Rapids, he had just reason to 
indulge in bright dreams of future wealth and in- 
fluence. 

Harrison Reed is remembered by old settlers as a man 
of very considerable ability, a tireless worker, a great or- 
ganizer, and a man fertile in all manner of plans and 
schemes. He did not have the knack of making and 
keeping money, however, and his financial and business 
management was such as to })nng his best laid plans tr 
nought. He was very sociable, altracting and making 
friends very readily. 

In personal appearance he is described as being rather 
under medium size, thin featured, light complexion, blue 
eyes, hair thin, being quite bald, and^ being near sight- 
ed, he generally wore glasses. Was a native of York 
State, and about thirty years of age when he came to 
Neenah. 

Thus it will be seeii that our history comprises an era 
ante-dating the earliest ])ioneers, and being that time 
when this spot was taken by the Government and im- 
proved in the interest of the Indians, the time w^hen all 
this was abandoned and the j^lace deserted, and is only 
broken through its purchase by Harrison Reed, and the 
coming of the first actual settlers, where our only au- 
thentic personal historical record can begin. 



THE GAZETTE" BOOK, FOR 1877-8. 31 



THIRD CHAPTER. 



Reed Purchases Winnebago Rapids, Oct. 2, 1843— Occurren- 
ces AND EmBARASSMENTS FOLLOWING THE PURCHASE— CoMING 

OP THE First Settlers — Pendleton and Mansur— Arrival 
OF Vining and Harlow, Aug. 28, 1845— Incidents Attend- 
ing Their Introduction to this Locality — Condition op 
Apfairs at that Time — They Run the? Old Government 
Mills — Ira Baird and Family Arrive in December, 1845 — 
Thrilling Incident Attending Their Journey, Etc., Etc. 



)S recorded in the last chapter, Harrison Reed bid 
off the property of Winnebago Rapids, both real 
, ■ and personal, on the 2d day of October, 1843, 
'#%5^^^ and shortl.y after entered into foil possession of 
his purchase. After being informed of his bid being 
accepted, Mr- Reed wrote to the General Land Office to 
enquire in whose possession or care the property was, 
and what steps were necessary for him to take. He was 
informed that the property was deserted, and, as 
he was the buyer he had l)etter take possession at 
once and look after it. The man who drew the 
elephant was in much the same fix as Mr. Reed 
with his new possessions, as his pecuniary circum- 
stances were such as to make it impossible for him to 
j pay tor the property when it was tendered on his bid. 
He obtained bondsmen, however, in the usual form when 
presenting his offer, and he was allowed some time to 
close up the contract, and being well satisfied as to the 



32 NEENAH LOCAL HISTORY. 



value of the lands, and sanguine that something 
would "turn up" to help him out of his difficulties, he 
at once took possession of the property and began mak- 
ing use of certain portions of it — using and selling 
building material and other items cf personal property 
included in the inventory, and occupying and running 
the saw and grist-mill, but as he had not perfected his 
title, he could not sell any of the real estate, or in any 
way offer inducements to actual settlers, neither had he 
an}' means with which to improve the water-power- 
The property lay in this condition for upwards of two 
years, and until the coming of the Jones', an account 
of which will be given hereafter. 

Mr. Reed took up his residence in f»ne of the large 
houses built by the Government, and situated near the 
lake shore at the east end of Wisconsin avenue, where 
he resided for many years, his house being a stopping 
place for all the earlies-t comers. 

Shortly after the coming of Mr. Reed, George H. 
Mansur arrived on the ground and took up a claim on 
the lake shore, which he afterward purchased in due 
form, when the lands came in market. Mr. Mansur still 
resides on this same land. Peter Pendleton arrived at 
about this time and also made a " squatter s claim" on 
land still owned by his children. Stephen Hartwell 
and one Johnson, a Dane, were also here in this year, 
the latter being mail carrier between Fond du Lac and 
Wrightstown, he having made a claim on lands 
which afterward came into the possession of Brein, the 
former taking up lands which are now one of the ad- 
ditions to Sherrytown. Johnson was one of the two 
men dying in one day, mention of which is made else- 
where. 



THE 'GAZETTE" BOOK, FOR 1877-8. 33 



In 1845 came several adventurous spirits, who are still 
among us, and who are inseparably connected with the 
history and incidents of the pioneer days. During this 
year came Gorham P. Vining and George Harlow, also 
Ira Baird and family, and Rev. 0. P. Clinton made his 
first visit to the Rapids in December of that year. 

The circumstances attending the first visit by Vining 
and Harlow are somewhat laughable, and show how the 
merest chance oft times changed the course of enterpris- 
ing spirits looking up a " site," and would afterward 
definitely fix their location. 

In the summer of 1845, in company with a young 
companion named Wallingford, both from Lowell, Mass., 
Vining left the east to look up a home in the great west. 
Coming to Wisconsin, they got as far as Watertown 
and there stopped for several days. While here they 
made the acquaintance of Harlow, who, like themselves 
was looking for a satisfactory location, and was stopping 
at Watertown, that being as far as they could travel at 
that time with any accommodation. After consultation 
and discussion it was resolved to push on to Fond du 
Lac, which place thev had heard mentioned as a pro- 
mising point. To make this trip a wagon and pair of 
horses was provided to take them over the prairies and 
through the woods, Harlow accompanying the party. 
Arriving at Fond du Lac they remained there several 
days and looked the county over to their entire satisfac- 
tion, and were anything but pleased with it. Coming 
from the hills of Massachusetts and Vermont, the low, 
flat, marshy surroundings of Fond du Lac appeared 
especially disagreeable, and the}- concluded to strike out 
for some other section of the State. While expressing 
his feelings, and at the same time his determination not 



34 NEENAH LOCAL HISTORY. 

to give up looking, Vining made use of the expression 
that "he was going to get out of that mud hole, and 
find some place in Wisconsin where water would run 
down hill." This remark coming to the ears of one of 
the settlers, the latter was quite indignant at the im- 
plied reflection on this section of the territory, and in- 
formed the part}' that " if they would go to Winnebago 
Rapids they could see water run down hill." This led 
to inquiries concerning the place, and our travelers made 
up their minds not to leave until they had visited the 
Rapids. But how to get there. That was the one 
great obstacle. Yining was particularly determined to 
see the place, his companions rat.her favoring a retreat, 
and, finding a little old steamboat, the Manchester, lying 
at the lake shore, then the only boat on these waters, 
and that but an excuse for one, he offered the man 
on board of her twenty-five dollars in gold to take 
him to the Rapids, but the owner of the boat not being 
at home, the man having her in charge refused 
to undertake the trip, and this means of reaching the 
coveted spot was reluctantly given up. Finally they 
found a large skiff in which the three men embarked 
for the north shore of the lake. Darkness overtook 
them along the bank near Stockbridge, and they passed 
the night as well as they could under the circumstances, 
embarking again in the morning and crossing the lake 
to their destination, landing at the residence of Harri- 
son Reed, on the lake shore. Here they met Gov. Doty, 
who with Reed gladly availed themselves of the privil- 
ege of showing the party about the place. Here they 
saw water that unquestionably did run down hill, and 
lively too, and plenty of it, and they were in all other 
respects greatly pleased with the location, and alter con ■ 



THE "GAZETTE" BOOK, FOR 1877-8. 35 



sulation determined to make it their stopping place. It 
was necessary, however, for them to return with the 
boat, and to look after their goods. For fear they might 
weaken in their resolves, or that something should trans- 
pire to cause them to change their plans, it was decided 
between them that any such occurrence should be pro- 
vided against by their leaving here something which 
would make it absolutely necessary for them to return. 
It is said that Harlow demurred to this plan, and refused 
to take any chances on leaving valuables behind him, 
but he promised his companions faithfully that he would 
return. This was satisfactory to Vining, who, however, 
left his gun, as did his friend Wallingford. The articles 
were left with Harrison Reed, who was only too glad to 
receive them, as it was a pledge to him that he was soon 
to have company in his lonel}' quarters. They then 
started back to return the boat, and secure a stock of 
provisions, they having decided to winter at Winnebago 
Rapids. 

The difficulties which they encountered in securing 
their provisions, and the expense and labor necessary to 
get them here, gives a good idea of the hardships and 
discomforts common to all pioneers, and as the two 
leading characters are still with us and well known, it 
will both point a moral and adorn our tale to give the 
circumstances of the trip. 

After returning to Fond du Lac, it was determined 
that one of the party should go south as far as Water- 
town for the supplies. It was further decided that each 
man should contribute twenty-five dollars for their pur- 
chase. The next question to decide was who should go 
and invest the money and return with the proceeds. 
As Harlow had left his trunk at Watertown, it seemed 



36 



NEENAH LOCAL HISTORY. 



as though he was the man to go, but Wallingford, re- 
membering that he had refused to leave any pledge at 
the Rapids, and they, of course, being entire strangers, 
hesitated about advancing the money, whereupon Vining 
remarked to Wallingford that his (Harlow's) face was 
good for twenty-five dollars, and he advanced Walling- 
ford's portion, sending fifty dollars. 

Leaving his two companions, Harlow struck out 
through the woods for Watertown, and, though delayed 
some time, which made his friends very anxious, he was 
finally seen piloting an ox team through the woods, re- 
turning with the supplies. It was then determined to 
bring the goods to Neenah by the same conveyance; 
therefore the three men started and, clearing the roads, 
they slowl)^ made their way from Fond du Lac here, it 
being one of the first loaded wagons that had ever come 
over the trail. 

Their arrival at Reed's caused that gentleman most 
unbounded gratification, and he did all in his power to 
provide for their wants, placing at their disposal the 
large Government house near the grist-mill, where Vin 
ing and Harlow lived that winter. Their companion, 
Wallingford. was taken ill shortly after their arrival 
and went back to Massachusetts that same fall, 
never returning to Neenah. 

Harlow and Vining made an arrangement with Reed 
shortly after their arrival, whereby the}" undertook to 
run the grist and saw-mill for the winter of 1845-6. 
At that time the Government mill was the only one in 
the county, or, indeed, in this section of the State, that 
could do work during the winter months. As a conse- 
quence grists came for many miles; as far north as Green 
Bay, from Stockbridge, from beyond Oshkosh; indeed, 



THE "GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 37 



The writer has been inlormed that it was not an uncom- 
mon sight to see one hundred or more different grists in 
the mill at one time. The settlers would bring them 
many miles, and returning home, come again after wait- 
ing days and weeks for them to be ground. The cause 
of the rush at this point was that what few little mills 
there were in this part of the State were situated on small 
streams, and during the winter everything would freeze 
up, and, as a consequence no 2:rinding could be done, 
while at this place, although in those days much 
troubled by the frost, still they managed to keep 
the old wheels moving. The agreement with Reed 
was that the two men should fix up the dam, 
which was greatly out of repair, make some needed 
changes about the mills — both the saw-mill and grist- 
mill — and that they should have one half the toll 
received for grinding and one-half of all money received 
for sawing lumber. Stephen Hartwell, who was here 
at this time was engaged to help them in the grist-mill, 
he being a miller, and under this management, the two 
old Government mills did their first winter's work under 
the control of private parties. Reed had run the mill a 
little the winter before, but not to any extent. 

The trials and dangers attending those early days 
would furnish us a theme for an entire volume, and 
prove interesting reading. People hereabouts who now- 
adays think they cannot well go to town without a fine 
spring wagon, should remember how many who are still 
among us were forced to do in *' the early days." 

An account of the trip of Ira Baird, accompanied by 
his wife and child, will fairly illustrate the hardships 
endured by those who resolutely turned their faces 
from kindred and friends looking forward to the making 



10 



38 



NEENAH LOCAL HISTORY. 



of a new home on the prairies or in the forests of the 
west. Brave spirits they, and, thanks to the laws of 
compensation, all such, in nearly every instance, were 
in time rewarded to the extent of their expectations. 

Ira Baird was anions^ the very first who brought their 
families to Neenah, he having arrived here in the month 
of December, 1845. An account of his journey from 
Watertown we have from the lips of the sturdy old 
pioneer himself, who is still hale and hearty. 

Having first prospected, and being pleased with the 
place, he returned to Watertown for his wife and child, 
having left them there while he went in search of a 
location. Having but little money, and firmly resolv- 
ing to keep enough of it to buy eighty acres of land, he 
was very careful in investing the surplus. The great 
object was to secure something with which he could 
convey his family and their few worldly goods to the 
Rapids, and to accomplish this he purchased a pair of 
three-year-old steers and an old wagon. With this rig 
he started from Watertown, in the month of December, 
the weather being exceedingly cold. After a weary trip 
they reached Fond du Lac, and from there pushed on to 
Oshkosh. 

Mr. Baird's account of crossing the Fox river at Osh- 
kosh forms a thrilling episode in the journey. 

They arrived at the river at about nine o'clock at 
night, more dead than alive, the cold being unusually 
severe; indeed, the steers actually froze their noses, and 
Baird his hands and face, while it required every parti- 
cle of clothing possessed by the adventurous couple to 
keep the woman and child from actually freezing to 
death in the wagon. Arriving at the river bank in this 
condition, there was nothing to do but cross, as to 



THE "GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 39 



remain out-doors with no shelter was to perish, while 
across the river they knew they should find the cabin of 
a settler. Starting down upon the ice our travelers 
were startled by what appeared to be an open channel 
in the river, it looking quite black, while the ice on each 
side was white. Fearfully approaching this black line 
Mr. Baird found that it was ice, though very much thin- 
ner than that on either side. Its appearance was ac- 
counted for from the fact that the ice first forms from 
the river banks, leaving an open channel in the centre, 
where the water flows swiftest, dntil severe frost coats 
that also, when it generally appears clear and black in 
comparison to that near the banks, and this it was which 
alarmed our travelers. 

The ice in the centre was apparently mnch thinner 
than that at the sides, and the chances for crossing in 
safety with the cattle were not flattering, but there was 
nothing left for them, as to remain where they were 
would be to freeze, and so desperate was their condition, 
cold and almost disheartened, that the husband said to 
the faithful wife: " There is no other way, Amy, we 
" must cross the river. If the cattle go through, the 
" wagon and all we have on earth wall go with them, 
" and I shall follow yon. We uriM cros.^ to the other side 
'^ or (JO to the bottom to(/ ether. "" 

With this desperate feeling in their hearts, they start- 
ed to cross the thinly frozen channel, expecting every 
moment to be engnlphed in the dark waters, but bend- 
ing and cracking under the tread of the steers, hurried 
on by their frantic driver, the ice bore them in safety to 
the other shore, and they soon after found shelter in one 
of the few cabijis which then marked the present site of 
Oshkosh. The next day they pushed on for the Rapids, 



40 NEENAH LOCAL HISTORY. 



following a route nearly the same as that now known as 
the '' Lake Shore road," and arriving at their destina- 
tion, took up their quarters in a portion ol" the old house 
near the mill. 

The next spring Mr. Baird entered lands now com- 
prised in the farm owned by Wm. Tipler, about one and 
one-half miles west of the city. Mr. Baird earned an 
hone-it penny many a time by piloting new comers about 
the country in search of desirable lands, and oiten went 
to Green Bay, where the Land Office was then located, 
to purchase land for other parties. Strangers to the 
country, who did not know the way, and as it often hap 
pened, were atraid of the Indians, would commission 
him to go to the Land Office, and purchase their lands, 
while they would stop at his house during his absence. 
During these trips he met with many adventures, Indi- 
ans and wild beasts being often encountered 

This will fairly illustrate the trials and dangers en- 
dured by those who, first pushing forward, marked the 
routes to new homes and led the way for the army of 
pioneers soon to follow. 



--^^^^^ ^^fea^ffll^f^^^^^ 



NEENAH LOCAL HISTORY. 41 



FOURTH CHAPTER. 



First Survey op Lands in this Vicinity — First Lands En- 
tered — Concerning the Sale of Lands on the Island, 
Which Occurred in 1835— Prices Paid— Who Purchased, 
Etc., Etc.— Gov. Doty Builds the "Grand Logqery" — 
Date and Circumstance of His Arrival in the State — 
Difficulties Encountered in Entering Lands Hereabouts — 
Significance of the Name "Neenah" — Incident in Rela- 
tion Thereto — The "Council Tree," 



^^HE Itiiifls on the Island, iiiul on the Menasha side 
of the river, were surveyed in 1833, and in 1835 
they were phiced in the market and offered for 
^- „'"' ^ sale. The lands on the west side of the lake and 
river, or, more properly speaking;, in the towns adjoining 
this city, were surveyed by Garrett Vliet, under the 
direction of A. G. Ellis, Surveyor General, in 1839, three 
years after they had been ceded to the United States by 
the Indians. 

It is a fact, though- not generally known, and the rea- 
sons therefor still less understood, that the lands on the 
Island and on the Menasha side, came into market sev- 
eral years before those on this side of the river. The 
Island, and lands on the north bank of the river, were 
surveyed in 1833, and not being in the Indian reserva- 
tion, that tract including only the territory west of Lake 
Winnebago and the Fox river, they came into market 



11 



42 NEENAH LOCAL HISTORY. 



much the earhest. Therefore we find them offered for 
sale August 31st, 1835. As will be readily understood, 
all who were acquainted with the location and the cir- 
cumstances, knew full well that this property would be 
especially valuable, as the Government had already com- 
menced to build the mills and make other improve- 
ments on this side of the river. Therefore we find the 
more valuable lands alons: the river bank quickly bid off 
at high prices on the first day it was offered for sale, 
and we find among the purchasers some of the men best 
informed as to the value of the property in this section 
of the State, including Daniel Whitney, James D. Doty, 
Morgan L. Martin and others. 

This will explain why and hov^ the land on the Island 
was purchased long before that on this side came into 
market, in fact before the United States owned it, the 
facts being that the lands on the east shore of the 
rivpr and lake already belonged to the Govern m en t^ 
while that on this side was an Indian reservation, and 
did not come into the possession of the Government 
until in 1836, and was not surveyed until 1839, and of- 
fered for sale in 1816. The lands on which the improve- 
ments had been made were excepted in the above, they 
being reserved by the War Dei)artment, and sold in 
1843. as before stated. 

We find by the records that the lands formerly known 
as the Doty homestead, now Roberts' Summer Resort, 
were bid off August 31st by Daniel Whitney, of Green 
Bay.~no doubt in the interest of Gov. Doty, — as the 
patents were made out to him. Samuel W. Beall, resi- 
dence given as in Brown county, Michigan territory, 
appears as the purchaser of one hundred acres on the 
river bank east of the present railroad track, at between 



THE "GAZETTE" BOOK, FOR 1877-8. 43 



six and seven dollars per acre. Daniel Whitney pur- 
chased 90 acres on the Island, running west from the 
present railroad track, to the residence of Mr. Haynes. 
This land brought great prices for those days, some of 
it going as high as ten dollars per acre, and none selling 
at less than five or six. 

Thus it will be seen that the lands on the Island were 
bought fully ten years before the arrival of the first 
regular settlers, they having been purchased in every 
instance as a speculation, and not for actual settlement. 
Gov. Doty did not build on his property until the year 
18i5, full ten years after its purchase. The log house 
of Gov. Doty, which was a very pretentious structure, 
and its owner a well-known and popular man in this 
section of the State, was by Mrs. Doty christened 
the •' Grand Loggery," and by that name it was known 
up and down the Fox river for many years. 

James D. Doty was appointed by President Monroe 
in 1824, judge of a newly arranged circuit, comprising 
all this north east section of the State. Judge Doty 
held his court at Green Bay and Fort Winnebago, now 
Portage Citv, and in passing up and down the Fox river 
to and from the fort, he became acquainted with this 
locality and was favorably impressed with its advantages, 
and early determined to secure a homestead on the 
Island, and make this beautiful spot a home for his de- 
clining years, and in conformity with this resolve, we 
find him on hand to bid off the land when it finally 
came into market, a)id in due time he erected a house, 
where he lived for many years, respected and 
honored by all the early residents. The" Island in for- 
mer years was spoken of as *' Doty Island,'^ and was thus 
known throughout the State. It is said that Judge 



44 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK, FOR 1877-8. 



Doty owned the first framed house ever erected in Wis- 
consin. It was built for him at Green Bay, in 1825, by 
Col. Ebeneezer Childs. 

In early times it seemed as though a fatality huns^ 
over Neenah, at least so far as regards the opportunities 
and advantages for buying lands were concerned. We 
find that while Harrison Reed held the Winnebago 
Rapids property he could not sell any lands, and we are 
informed by those first entering Government lands here- 
abouts that it was with the utmost difficulty that the 
first lands could be secured. In the winter of 1845 
Stephen Hartwell went to the Land Office at Green Bay 
to purchase forty acres which he had selected, but was 
informed by the officer in charge, Col. Hodges, that 
'' these lands were not in market," and insisted that 
Hartwell could not get them, at the same time offering 
him lands in other sections When Hartwell returned 
and it was learned that the officer would not receive 
money for lands here, it created considerable anxiety 
and indignation also, as tliose best informed, including 
Gov. Doty, said that the lands were properly in market, 
and that the action of the agent at the Land Office was 
l)ut a ruse to keep settlers from coming here, and at the 
same time attract them elsewhere. 

Gov. Doty then made note of the fact that there was 
continually something to hinder and delay the settle- 
ment of Neenah. In the following spring George Har- 
low, G. p. Vining, and one or two others went to the 
Land Office to enter some lands, and, as in the case of 
Hartwell, they were informed that " the lands were not 
in market." But Vining and Harlow were not to be 
put off in this way, and being provided with the Presi- 
dent's proclamation offering the lands for sale, they soon 



NEENAH LOCAL HISTORY. 45 



caused the agent to " see the point/' and he finally con- 
cluded that there had been some mistake about it, and 
their money was received and the lands duly entered. 
This was in the spring of 18^6, when the first sales of 
lands hereabouts were made. Land on Ball Prairie and 
in the towns adjoining Oshkosh had been purchased and 
settled upon some time before, Brooks, Kimball, Cross, 
Quatermas and others being there at work making farms, 
but none of the lands in or adjoining Jieenah were pro- 
perly purchased before 1846, excepting the sale to Har- 
rison Reed, and that was not fully consummated until the 
same year. 

The name of our city, Neenah, is an Indian word, sig- 
nifying in the Winnebago language, " water.'' Only 
this and nothing more. It is said that its application to 
this locality was as follows : On one occasion (iov. 
Doty met quite a band of Indians here, and during their 
talk he asked one of the chiefs, pointing to the river, 
"what is that?" meaning to ask the name of the river. 
The Indian answered Nee na/i\ supposing that Doty was 
asking him what he called the water. Doty took a 
fancy to the name, or more properly speaking, the word, 
and ever afterwards applied it to this locality, and in 
time it became its only name. 

THE COUNCIL TREE. 

The giant elm, which marks and adorns the Point 
beyond Riverside Park, has, from the earliest times, 
been known as the " Council Tree." or '^ Treaty Elm," 
the tradition being that many councils and important 
treaties were held under its broad shadows, but Rev. Mr. 
Chapin, in his historical sketch disclaims any such hon- 
ors for the forest giant, and assures us that its great age 
and broad-spreading limbs are alone its only claims tor 



12 



46 THE ''GAZETTE" BOOK, FOR 1877-8. 



notice. We find, however, that this view of the case is 
not entirely in conformity with known facts and tra^* 
ditional history. We have it from Mr. Clinton that 
Gov. Doty often said that the tree was a general rendez- 
vous and treaty ground for the tribes and bands of Indi- 
ans up and down the river, and he unqualifidely stated 
that the Indians spoke of the tree and that particular 
spot of land on the Point, as a favorite place for holding 
their annual pow-wows and councils, and that it was 
from the Indians themselves that it received the name 
of " Council Tree," and though there appears to be no 
evidence pointing to the spot as marking any of the 
important treaties between the Indians and United 
States Commissioners, still, we think that among the 
Indians themselves for many generations, it was a favor- 
ite resort, its location and surroundings all combine to 
make this claim exceedingly reasonable, and we believe 
the tree is justly entitled to its significant and romantic 
title. 



—'■^f^ ^i^Sl^^^i^^-- 




THE C()lINC:iL TREE— Netir Riverside Park. 

See page 45. 




HAKRISON REED'S RESIDENCE. 
The First House in Neenali Occupied by a White Family, 

V>ee ]>H^i' 47. 



NEENAH LOCAL HISTORY. 47 



Incidents in Connection With the Arrival and Residence 
OF Harrison Reed— Who Were Here on His Arrival— 
His Wagon the First to Cross the Fox River at Oshkosh 
— Procured a Post Office, and Named it Neenah, in 1844 
—Simon Quatermas the First Mail-carrier— Builds the 
First Barge, the "Growler" — His Daughter, Nina, the 
First White Child Born in Neenah. 



m 



ARRISON REED move,] t<> Neenah in the win- 
ter of 1843-4,* coniiii.o- from Fond du Lac on the 
^ l||<J ice. On his arrival he found Peter Pendleton, a 
^^' "squatter," living in the block house on the 
lake shore, into which Mr. Reed moved, and where he 
lived for about eighteen j^ears. There all his children, 
save the eldest, were born, and there two were buried. 
During the year 1844 Mr. Reed was comparatively alone, 



*The facts and incidents related in the following chapter were 
furnished us hy Mr. Reed himself, now a resident of Jackson- 
ville, Florida, and engaged in the publication of a magazine 
called the Semi-Tropical. Mr, Reed left Neenah during the 
early years of the war, and at the close of the rebellion went to 
Florida, where he afterward secured high political influence 
and position, being at one time Governor of the State. Strange 
as it may seem for a man who at one time considered himself 
the sole owner of the entire village, and who was so instrumen- 
tal in shaping the course of all matters in the early days, Mr. 
Reed does not own a foot of ground of all his original possessions, 
and has no property interest where he once braved the dangers 
of frontier life to make a home for himself and family. A 
marked example of the waywardness of fortune, and the ups 
and downs in the whirligig of lite. 



48 THE -GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 

there being but four or five traders to keep him corapan}^, 
aud the Indians, of which, in those days, there were 
hundreds. Smith Moore, an Indian trader from Green 
Bay, was here, also a CoL Tuller and Robert Irwin, who 
lived in the block house on the Point, where they were 
trading wath the Indians on Reed's arrival. Colwell, a 
white trader, also lived with a band of Indians on the 
west shore of the lower lake. Moore atterward pur- 
chased lands, and built a house about one mile west of 
the present city, now standing and owned by Rev. Mr. 
Freeman. Moore is described as a man of ability and 
great force of character, and had he lived would doubt- 
less made quite a mark in the local histor}' of the place, 
but he died about 1853, from small pox, contracted while 
visiting an Indian pa3'ment near the present town of 
Poygan. Irwin and Tuller never settled here. Reed 
cut out the first road between Neenah and Oshkosh. 
Gill Brooks, then a new comer near Oshkosh, and a man 
employed by Reed, assisted in the work, while Mrs 
Reed followed them through with a buggy. Reed's 
wagon was the first double wagon to cross the Fox 
river at Oshkosh, being ferried over on an old scow 
owned by Robert Grignon, at what is now AlgoniH. 
Mr. Reed secured the establishment of a pest ofiice in 
1844, and called it " Neenah." The office was then kept 
at his own house, and the mail could be carried in his 
hat. Simon Quatermas was the first mail-carrier, and 
it is said that on his first trip to Oshkosh, in attempting 
to go down the lake shore, he got lost in the big swamp 
and nearly drowned his horse. At that time the lands 
all through back of Mansur's were considered an impas- 
sable swamp, and Smith Moore, in order to compel the 
mail to be brought around bv the '' trail" on the " ridge'' 



NEENAH LOCAL HISTORY. 49 



and thus pass his place, so represented it to the Depart- 
ment. 

In those days the travel was mainly by boat in sum- 
mer, and on the ice during the winter. Harrison Reed 
constructed the first scow or barge on the lake. It was 
built in 1844 by Col well, a white trader, on the lake 
shore near Reed's house, where she was launched. She 
was forty-five feet long and was named the '* Growl- 
er," and was in use ibr many years. A daughter of Har- 
rison Reed's, born in August, 1846, was the first white 
child born in Neenah. She was christened "Nina" in 
consequence, that being a near approach to the name of 
the place. 

Reed printed the first newspaper in Neenah, an ac- 
count of which may be found elsewhere. 

The first attempt at a regular religious service was at 
Harrison Reed's house in 1845, the preacher being a 
Methodist on his way to Green Bay. Only five or six 
persons were present at the time. 



^-*^?^Ml^k(^f;,^ 



13 



50 THE ''GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 



SIXTH CHAPTER. 



James Ladd — His Recollections of Pioneer Days— Arrival 
IN Neenah, 1846 — Builds the First Bridge Across the Big 
Slough— Builds the Winnebago House, 1847— First Town 
Meeting. 




jN March, 1846, in company with Deacon Mitchel 
and Mr. Wheatly, I arrived in Neenah. We 
came from Dodge county, but had to leave our 
F^ team on the other side of the river in Oshkosh, 
cross the river in a skiff, and proceed on foot, 
following the Indian trail through the woods. We 
found a few log or block houses built by the Gov- 
ernment for the benefit of the Indians, also the 
Government mills. At this time there were seven 
or eight families within four miles of Neenah, and a 
large sprinkling of Indians. We stopped over night 
with Harrison Reed near the Point. We made inquir- 
ies of him concerning Government land. He directed 
us to Gov. Doty, on the Island, and was there directed 
to Mr. Pendleton, w^ho lived on the Cronkhite place, he 
being the oldest settler and best acquainted with the 
country. We got what information we could respect- 
ing the best locations and started off through the woods 
to look for land. We lost our way and after wandering 
a long time, struck on an Indian trail, which brought 



NEENAH LOCAL HISTORY. 51 



US to Mr. Jourdan's on the Neff farm. It was late in the 
afternoon and we were tired and hungry, but here we 
were served to a good dinner of wild ducks, etc. After 
wandering about through woods and brush, crossing the 
streams in a skiff, I concluded to make a claim where I 
now live. In October following: I moved my family in- 
to a block house with Mr. Colwell, who lived with an 
Indian wife on the Blair place. Other families moved 
in that summer and fall. We had no way to cross the 
lower lake with teams but to ford it, going into the lake 
by the old mill, and guiding our course by an old oak 
on the Jourdan place, the water coming up to the mid- 
dle of the wagon box, so that we were obliged to place 
ourselves and effects on top of the box to keep dry. 

Some Frenchmen with a load of calico and trinkets, 
going through to trade with the Indians at their annual 
gathering to receive their annuity from the Government^ 
in attempting to cross just at night, to stop with me— 
there being no place in Neenah to stop— got out of the 
right course into deep water with a muddy bottom. 
They called for assistance, and I went to them in a skiff. 
The men and horses were rescued, but wagon and goods 
were left to soak over night; the next morning by means 
of long poles tied together, and oxen, the wagon was 
drawn ashore. They dried their goods, and resinned 
their journey, thinking they would be none the less val- 
uable to the redskins for having been soaked. 

My house, which consisted of three rooms, with low 
chambers, was the only stopping place for travelers that 
winter west of the slough and the lake. That fall the 
settlers that were here clubbed together— there being 
no town board to raise an extra tax — to hire the Indi- 
ans to cut a road through to the Oneida settlement, a 



52 THE ''GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 



distance of fourteen miles. We were to furnish them 
with provisions while they did the work. That road 
connected with a road to Green Bay, which was the only 
way we could reach the Bay with teams. The Indians 
camped in rude huts as they worked their way alono^, 
taking my house for the terminus of the road, which 
they reached one night, headed by their chief, Mr. 
Breed. We gave them (twenty in number) a good sup- 
per, after which each took his blanket and lay down be- 
fore our old-fashioned fire-place. Before leaving in the 
morning, they presented me a cane with a snake's head 
neatly carved on the top of it. These Indians brought 
us our lumber for the first building in Neenah, from 
their mills on Duck creek. 

We soon thought about some way to get across the 
Neenah slough. Some six or eight of the settlers agreed 
to pay me one hundred dollars to build a bridge, which 
I did by making cribs of logs, laying stringers from crib 
to crib, and covering with poles. This bridge was com- 
pleted in the spring, and lasted a number of years. 

One of my family was taken sick that spring, and I 
sent to Oshkosh for a physician — there being none near- 
er—but he did not understand the case, and I sent to 
Stockbridge for Dr. Marsh. The only way to get there 
was to cross the lake in a skiff. Mr. C Northrop, of 
Menasha, went across, a distance of fourteen miles, and 
returned with the doctor. We had to take him home, 
and send for him a second time in the same way. 

Work on the Neenah dam was begun in 1847, and as 
there was no place to board the men, I built the barn 
back of the Winnebago House, moved into it, and took 
fifty boarders, besides keeping what travelers came 
along. I have no record of the arrivals, but think there 



NEENAH LOCAL HISTORY. 53 



would be a longer list than our friend Russell has now 
to record. We often had to bake a barrel of flour in a 
day. We lived in the barn that summer, and until I 
built the Winnebago House. 

The work on the dam caused quite an influx of men 
this year, while large numbers were constantly arrivijig 
for the purpose of taking up claims of Government 
lands, and, on the whole it was quite busy during the 
fall of that year. 

During this winter the territorial was changed to the 
State Government, the first town meeting in Neenah, 
was held in the spring of 1847. Gov. Doty, Cornelius 
Northrop and myself were appointed supervisors, and 
Lucius Donaldson, town clerk. James Ladd. 

Neenah, 1877. 



-*^?^ ^^^KSL^^§^^^ 



14 



54 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 



SEVENTH CHAPTER. 



1846— First Year op Actual Settlement— Quite a Number 
Arrive in this Year and Take Up Lands — First Birth — 
First Marriage, and First Death — Marriage Under the 
Council Tree. 




^^lll^^rTH the exception of George H. Mansur, Gor- 
"^ bam P. Vining and George Harlow are, of the 
;4], present residents of the city, the earliest bona 
^-^iS^*^^ * fide settlers, they having come here on the 
28th day of August, 1845, Harrison Reed and Mansur 
then being the only white men on the ground, Gov. 
Doty coming shortly after and commencing work upon 
his house, which to-day is standing, one of the most 
historic and striking relics of the early days, it being a 
prominent feature of Roberts' famous Summer Resort, 
the large hotel being erected on the lands formerly 
owned b}'' the governor, and near the old log house. 

It would appear that Rev. 0. P. Clinton, both directly 
and indirectly, had much to do with attracting attention 
and immigration to this section in its earliest days. He it 
was who secured a purchaser for Mr. Reed in the person 
of Harvey Jones, and afterward through eastern friends 
of his, and more particularly through his letters and 
reports to the Board of Home Missions, which were pub- 
lished, many were attracted to this section as Mr. Clin- 



NEENAH LOCAL HISTORY. 55 



ton described it in most o^lowing colors, his truthfulness 
and ^ood judgment, however, having been amply veri- 
fied by subsequent events. 

In the spring of 18^6 quite a number of settlers ar- 
rived and began taking up lands. One large party were 
directed here by Loyal H. Jones and Ferine Yale, who 
met them near Watertown while on their way to Wau- 
kesha after their first visit of inspection to Neenah. 
Jones urged the party to go to the Rapids, and gave 
them such a glowing description of the countrj^ that 
they decided to do so. 

This party was composed of the foHowing familiar 
names, nearly all of whom are now residents of the ad- 
joining towns: W. H. Scott, A. Jenkins, Salem T- 
Hoi brook, D. C. Darrow, Alex Murray, and Wm M. 
Stewart. The Huxley's also came in that year, as did 
Jas. Ladd. Jnd. Thompson, Ben. Strong, Mr. Wheatly, 
Deacon Mitchell, Albert Brien, H. Conrad and others. 

The records of the hnid office show that quite a number 
entered lands in this year, though it is the first year in 
which any actual settlement can be dated. As has been 
noted, several persons arrived in the fall or winter of the 
year preceding, but too late to locate or take up lands, 
and indeed they were not in market until in 46. 

THE FIRST WHITE CHILI). 

Nina, a daughter of Harrison Reed's, born in August, 
1840, was the first white child born in Neenah. Quite 
a demonstration was had over this auspieious event, 
every pioneer feeling an interest in so important a 
matter. The child was born in the old block house on 
the lake shore, at the upper end of what is now Wis- 
consin avenue, and was christened '' Ninn/' 

A. D. Clinton, son of Rev. 0. P. Clinton, was born in 



56 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 



October of this year, and was the first male child born 
in Neenah. The old block house on the Point, which 
stood near the " Council Tree," was his birth place, Mr. 
and Mrs. Clinton residing there at the time. 

THE FIRST MARRIAGE. 

The first marriage in Neenah occurred in May, 1846, 
in the old block house near the " Council Tree," John 
F. Johnston and Miss Jeanette Finch being the con- 
tracting parties. This was an exceedingly important 
occasion, and nearly every white person in the settle- 
ment attended the wedding. Rev 0. P. Clinton was 
the officiating clergyman. The Point was also the scene 
of another early day marriage, Henry Finch and Miss 
Brien being married on the Fourth of July, 1847, under 
the spreading branches of the " Council Tree " Mr. 
Clinton performed this ceremony also. 

THE FIRST DEATHS. 

In this year occurred the first death, Stephen Hart- 
well suddenly dying in September. Hart well had been 
summoned to the east, and though quite sick, was on 
the point of departure, having left his cabin and goods in 
charge of Vining, and intending to leave for Fond du 
Lac in a boat, he went to the block house on the Point, 
from whence he was to start. While there he was taken 
very ill, and died within a day or two. 

A Dane named Johnson was sick at the time, and died 
the following night, and the next day two out of the 
small company then here, lay dead. They both died 
of fever and ague, in an aggravated form, and no 
doubt largely for the want of proper care and nourish- 
ment. Ira Baird was also sick at the time, and gave out 
as he, with a few others, were carrying the body of 
Hartwell to the spot which they had selected for his in- 



NEENAH LOCAL HISTORY. 57 



terment, and was left behind under a tree. Hartwell 
and Johnson were both buried on what is now the Neff 
farm, and not far from the Indian mounds. Gov. Dot}' 
and Gr. P. Vining were mastei's of the ceremonies. Doty 
was the orator of the occasion, and delivered an eloquent 
eulogy over the bodies of the unfortunate men who had 
thus yielded up their lives while endeavoring to find a 
home in the woods and wilds of the west. This event 
cast a gloom over the spirits of the few persons remain- 
ing at the village, which required some time to dispel. 

FIRST RELIGIOUS SERVICES. 

The first religious services held in due form in Nee- 
nah, occurred in the spring of 1846, Rev. 0. P. Clinton 
officiating, and were held in the block house near the 
Council Tree, where Mr. Clinton then resided. The 
following is a correct list of those present, and this rec- 
ord of the first congregation assembled in Neenah for 
worship will prove of especial interest. The following 
persons were in attendance: Gov. J. D. Doty and wife, 
and their housekeeper, Miss Emily Elliot, Harrison Reed 
and wife, and his aunt, a Mrs. Griswold, Thos. Burdick, 
John F. Johnston, Henry Finch, Jeanette Finch, and 
Mr. and Mrs. Clinton, making twelve in all. 



.--*^^^^^:£^^<^^^^^ 



15 



58 THE ''GAZETTE" BOOK, FOR 1877-8. 



EIGHTH CHAPTER. 



THE COMING OF THE JONES 



Rev. O. p. Clinton's Arrival — He Advisks the Jones' to Come 
TO Neenah — Circumstances Which Led to Their Becoming 
Interested Here — Loyal H. Jones Visits the Place in May 
1846 — Harvey Jones First Visits Neenah in September of the 
Same Year— Made a Second Visit in 1847, and Came Here for 
Permanent Residence in 1848 — Lived at the Old House near 
the Council Tree — Built the Second Frame Building in 
Neenah — Etc., FjTC. 




December of 1845, Rev. 0. P. Clinton, sent 
west by the Board of Home Missions, made his 



(^[r 5 first visit to Neenah, and was most favorably im- 
^<ViV?' pressed with the natural advantages presented at 
this point. Mr. Clinton was the agent through which 
the Jones' afterward became interested in this place, and 
transactions which soon followed had much to do with 
shaping the prospects and future destiny of the village. 
Mr. Clinton had made the acquaintance of Loyal H. 
Jones, who then lived at Prairieville, now Waukesha, 
engaged in mercantile pursuits. Knowing that Clinton 
was about to make a trip to the frontier settlements, 
Jones requested him to note any favorable opportunities 
for investing in new lands, and informed him that, 
should he find any good location, with water-power and 
other requisites for building up a town, he should like 



NEENAH LOCAL HISTORY. 59 



to know it, as his brother Harvey, who resided at Glovers- 
ville. N. Y., thought some of investing in western lands. 
Stopping with Reed on his first visit to the place, Mr. 
Clinton was soon made acquainted with the circum- 
stances in which the former was placed, and upon Clin- 
ton's informing him of the requests and wishes of Mr. 
Jones, Reed at once made Mr. Clinton the bearer of a 
proposition to Jones. 

Tlie time having nearly expired which had been al- 
lowed Mr. Reed to close up his bargain, and he being 
unable to do so. and not having found any one to help 
him, he was exceedingly anxious, the more so, no doubt, 
as he had converted to his own use much of the personal 
property, and in consequence of failure to pay for the 
same, he or his bondsmen would be called upon to make 
good all which he had used or disposed of. 

This was the condition of affairs when Mr. Clinton 
arrived, and Reed proposed that he should return and 
report to Jones, and to say that if his brother would 
furnish the purchase money, he would deed to him one 
half the entire property of Winnebago Rapids, with the 
exception of the farm then occupied by Reed, and the 
place now known as the Blair farm. These two places, 
with an undivided one-half of the balance, Reed wished 
to keep as an offset to the. advantages offered Jones. • 

Mr. Clinton returned to Waukesha and informed 
Loyal Jones of what he had found, and his description 
of the property and the advantages offered were such as 
to induce the latter to inform his brother of it^ and urge 
upon him to secure the trade. 

Harvey Jones being favorably impressed with the plan 
as proposed, sent Ferine .Yale to accompany Loyal Jones, 
and the two acted as his agents to look the property 



60 THE "GAZETTE'^ BOUK. FOR 1877-8. 



over and get the best terms possible from Reed, and sub- 
mit the same to him. 

In conformity with this plan, Jones and Yale came to 
Neenah in May of 1846, and being pleased with the site, 
and satisfied with the representations and propositions 
of Mr. Reed, they partially effected an arrangement 
whereby Harvey Jones should furnish the money re- 
quired to secure the property in due form of the Gov- 
ern ment. Shortly after this Harrison Reed went to 
Gloversville, N. Y., the lesidence of Harvey Jones, 
and there, in the month of July, 1846, the trade 
was finally consummated, and the money furnished, 
with which Reed went to Washington, paid the 
amount of his bid on the property, with the interest 
which had accrued, and received his patents for the 
lands. The exact conditions of this bargain between 
Jones and Reed are difficult to ascertain, and it is of no 
particular significance at this time. Misunderstandings, 
however, arose almost immediately between them, which 
were never amicably settled, and did much to retard the 
growth and prosperity of the place in early days. The 
death of Harvey Jones, which occurred before he had 
time to mature or carry out any of his plans, also greatly 
added to complicate matters. 

It is the general belief, however, and so expressed 
by Mr. Reed, that had Harvey Jones lived, all their 
difterences would have been amicably settled, and 
that the material growth and prosperity of the place 
would have thereby been greatly accelerated, and years 
of weary and vexatious litigation avoided. After closing 
up the trade, Reed returned to Neenah, and Harvey 
Jones also shortly followed him. Harvey Jones first 
came to Wisconsin in the month of August, 1846, stop- 



NEENAH LOCAL HISTORY. 



ping a short time at Waukesha to look after his inter- 
ests, as Loyal Jones had been carrying on business there 
with the former^s capital. 

In the month of September, 1846, Harvey Jones made 
his first visit to Neenah, and on this occasion was ac- 
companied by his wife and eldest son, Gilbert C, now a 
resident of this city. He remained here until the fol- 
lowing spring, and during most of the time boarded with 
Mr. Reed at his house on the lake shore, though late in 
the winter he moved to the old "mill house/' into which 
Loyal Jones had moved that winter. Mr. Jones began 
at once on his arrival to make improvements on the 
property, his first work being to deepen and widen 
the raceway to the two mills. He took hold himself 
and worked in the mud and water, it being very difficult 
at that time to secure the aid of laborers to work. There 
are a few of those still here who helped him at that time, 
among them Henry Conrad, Mike Jacobs, and the 
McGahns. Burtz, Burdick, and Danforth were also here 
among the first, and were emplo\^ed by Jones in the 
grist mill. He returned to Gloversville in February, 
1847, and came back to Neenah in the fall of that year, 
and remained the second winter. While at Gloversville, 
during the summer of 1847, Mr. Jones met with a severe 
loss in the death of his wife, who had spent the preced- 
ing winter at Neenah, returning with him to New York 
in the spring 

In the spring of 1848 Jones moved to Neenah for the 
purpose of taking up a permanent residence, having 
fully determined to spend his means and life to build up 
a home, a town and a fortune at this point. But, un- 
fortunately for him, and unfortunately for the place, 
death overtook him ere his plans had much more than 



16 



62 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK, FOR 1877-8. 



been be«?un, and the confusion and mismanagement 
which followed was a sad ending for his hopeful pros- 
pects. 

Mr. Jones took up his residence in the old block house 
near the Council Tree, living with a brother-in-law, Mr. 
Charles Yale, and remaining there until his death. 
While living there he had built an addition, or rather a 
separate building adjoining the old block house, and 
quite near the Council Tree. This house was the second 
frame dwelling erected in Neenah. Newell Dermitt was 
the architect and builder, being employed by Mr. Jones. 
This house was built in 1848. 

The first frame house was built by Jumes Ladd, and 
is still standing near the railroad track on Wisconsin 
avenue and was for years known as the Winnebago 
Hotel. This house was erected in the winter of 1847-8. 



--^?^ e^l^W.^.^^ 



NEENAH LOCAL HISTORY. 



63 



NINTH CHAPTER. 



Death op Harvey Jones, Nov. 8th, 1849— Personal Appear- 
ance — Incidents, Etc. — When and Where Born — The Man- 
agement of His Estate — L. H. Jones and E. W. Drury, 
Administrators. 




ARVEY JONES was imfortimate in his west- 
ern speculations. He was unfortunate in his 
dealings with Reed, and was unfortunate in ar- 
^y^^ raying against himself a combination of rival 
interests, which but multiplied- the many natural obsta- 
cles met with in founding a new settlement. As before 
noted, disagreements and misunderstandings between 
Jones and Reed followed directly on the heels of their 
first trades, and . while Jones lived the two men at no 
time worked in sympathy or for a common purpose. 
The various phases and features of their movements and 
difficulties l)elong more to a personal narrative than to 
this sketch. Suffice it for us to say that the complica- 
tions beginning between Reed and Jones lasted until the 
hitter's death, and was continued in long years of liti- 
gation with the administrators of his estate, and was in 
fact never settled until all the heirs became of age and 
the property passed into their hands. 

Harvey Jones is described as a typical New England 
business man and manufacturer. Close, careful and 
methodical in all his business arrangements, he plainly 



64 



THE ''GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 



showed his training in the eastern school, where busi- 
ness is conducted more in conformity with certain rules 
and usages than at the west. Mr. Jones had been a 
promising and successful business man. Beginning life 
as a poor boy, he commenced clerking in a country store 
early in his teens, and step by step worked himself up 
until he owned and controlled quite an extensive manu- 
facturing establishment in Gloversville, being one of the 
very first to begin, on a large scale, the manufacture of 
gloves and mittens. He was also interested in a mer- 
cantile house in New York city, and on the whole was 
in a very prosperous condition when he became infatu 
ated with the plan of building up a town in the west. 
We have from the lips of a gentleman, now a resident of 
this State, who knew Jones and his family in New York, 
the following incident as illustrative of his trading pro- 
pensities while yet a boy. It was a habit of Jones' 
father, who was owner of a New England farm, to give 
each of his boys a piece of land which they cultivated 
for their own profit, putting in just such crops as they 
wished, and disposing of the same as best suited them. 
It is told of Harvey Jones, that no sooner would the 
other boys get their crops in than he would begin buy- 
ing and trading with them, and as a rule, by harvest 
time he would own or control the product of each boys* 
bit of land. 

What the final outcome of this western scheme would 
have been, can but be conjectured, as his untimely death 
cut short all his plans, while the years of mismanage- 
ment which followed at the hands of the administrators 
of his estate, secured to his children little more than 
fragments of that which he had hoped to bequeath them. 

Harvey Jones is described as a man of medium height. 



NEENAH LOCAL HISTORY. 65 



slim and straight, weighing about 145 pounds. His 
complexion was rather light, with hazel e3^es and gray- 
ish hair. His face was always cleanly shaven. His 
manners were very gentlemanly and he was always 
courteous in his business. He was a man of untiring- 
industry, rather nervous, and exceedingly anxious con- 
cerning all matters wherein he was interested; indeed, it 
is the general belief among the early settlers that his 
exceeding anxiety concerning his matters here, more 
particularly the vexatious litigation with Reed, and the 
disappointment in failing to secure the Improvement on 
this side of the Island, so wore upon him as to hasten 
his death, which occurred Nov. 8th, 1849. He was born 
at Johnstown, N. Y., June 23, 1805, and was conse- 
quently but forty-four years of age at the time of his 
death. 

Harvey Jones died, leaving no will, or at least none 
that was ever admitted to probate, and his brother, 
Loyal H. Jones, was by Judge Blodgett, of the County 
Court, appointed as administrator of the estate until the 
heirs should become of age. The year after, E. W. 
Drury, of Fond du Lac, was appointed to act with.L. H. 
Jones, and all persons who, between the years 1850 and 
1864, wished to buy real estate in Neenah, have a dis- 
tinct remembrance of the vexatious condition in which 
the business was always to be found. It is a dark page 
in the history of Neenah, for had the pro[)erty here been 
spared the years of needless litigation, during which no 
one could, with safety, purchase, there is no question 
but what the growth and wealth of Neenah would have 
been increased thousands of inhabitants, and millions of 
dollars. 

We neglected to state in the preceding chapter that 



17 



66 THE ''GAZETTE" BOUK, FOR 1877-8. 



the final trade been Rt^ed and Jones differed greatly 
from the first proposition made by Reed, as the latter 
deeded to Jones the bulk of the Winnebago Rapids pro 
perty, and the administrators of the Jones estate had 
the handling of most of the village property during their 
control of it. 

Jones left three children as the heirs to his property, 
all of whom are still alive, and two, Gill)ert C. Jones, 
and Willard Jones, are still residents of Neenah. The 
daughter, Abigail, married Rev. James Bassett, a Pres- 
byterian minister, and bota are now in Persia, in the 
missionary interest. 

Note -The following matter should be read in con- 
nection with the Second Chapter, the facts herein given 
having been secured after the first pages were printed 
We are pleased to be able to give the names ai;d circum- 
stances attending the coming of the first white men to 
this section, viz: those who were sent here by the Gov- 
ernment in 1832-6 : 

The first inhabitants of Winnebago county, other than 
Indians, were Augustine Grignon, one of the French 
settlers of Green Bay, an Englishman by the name of 
Powell, who located here for the purpose of traffic with 
the Indians, James Knaggs, a half-breed, who kept a 
ferry just above the present site of Algoma, where the 
trail leading from Fort Winnebago to Green Bay crossed 
the river. Grignon located at Buttes des Morts, and 
Powell a little lower down the river. About the same 
time, a white man by the name of Archibald Caldwell, 
settled among the Indians near the rapids, the present 
site of Neenah. In 1835, the United States Government 
established an agency for the benefit of the Menomonee 



NEENAH LOCAL HISTORY. 67 



Indians, at Neenah, in the benevolent enterprise of edu- 
cation in agriculture, mechanics, morals, and science, 
and the general principles of civilization. William 
Dickinson was the contractor to prepare the way for the 
perfection of this grand enterprise, by the improvement 
of the vvaterpower, the erection of a saw and grist-mill, 
blacksmith shop, farm houses, and school house. This 
contract was entered into as early as 1831 or 1832. The 
work was commenced by Mr. Dickinson, but before its 
completion, the business was transferred by a subsequent 
con^ract to David Whitney. 

The scheme embraced the instruction of the Indians 
by theory and practice. Competent and practical in- 
structors vA^ere employed. Two brothers, of the name of 
Gregory, the one an Episcopal clergyman, the other an 
experienced teacher were at the head of the department 
of science, morals and religion. Religious meetings were 
regularly held on the Sabbath. Clark Dickinson, Na- 
thaniel Perry, Robert Irwin, Gen. Rnggles, and a Mr. 
Baird, father of Hon. H. Baird, of Green Bay, were em- 
ployed as farmers. Col. David Johnson was miller. 
Joiirdan and Hunter were the blacksmiths, (the former 
settled here, and Tom Jonrdan, now a resident of this 
city, is a son of this same nian.) The contractors gave 
employment in 1835 to about twenty-live or thirty lab- 
orers in the various departments of the enterprise. This 
arrangement continued about two years, during which 
the Indians who did not come into the arrangement for 
civilization, were numerous about Neenah, living in their 
wild manner. The small-pox made its appearance 
among them and swept off about one-third of their 
number. Col. Boyce, of Green Bay, being Indian agent, 
sent to their relief a surgeon of the United States troops 



68 THE "GAZETTE ^^ BOOK, FOR 1877-8. 



to give them the benefit of vaccination. But Mr. A. 
Caldwell, a resident and trader at Neenah, benevolently 
took charge of the sufferers, spending much of his time 
in nursing and nourishing the sick, and contributed 
greatly to alleviate their sufferings at the hazard of his 
own life; he took the disease, suffered severely and barely 
escaped the fate of the unfortunate victims. 

Webster Stanley, the first white settler at Oshkosh 
had been employed on the mills at Neenah, and when 
the work stopped, went from here and locatf^d at Osh- 
kosh. 



'j^M^ 



-*«?JCJ effij!&ffl!<^'»i&>— 



NEENAH LOCAL HISTORY. 69 



TENTH CHAPTER. 



THE FOX RTVER IMPROVEMENT, 



Great Interest Taken at Neenah and Menasha in the Im- 
provement—Strife TO Secure its Location — Particulars of 
THE Final Decision— A Bit op History — Short Account op 
THE Improvement. 



(^Jip^HE scheme for the improvement of the Fox river, 
CnA' ^^'^^^^ ^^^ fairly inaugurated in 1848, created a 
^ ,, great interest at this point, and it was then look- 
^^- ii " ^'^ ed upon as the great thinj; which should make a 
town here. Curtis Reed had become interested in real 
estate at Menasha in 1846, and it was his object to found 
a rival town; therefore, we find that a strong spirit of 
rivalry and competition arose as to who should have the 
"improvement,''' in other words whether the canal 
should be cut and locks built nt Neenah, or Menasha. 
Of course all natural advantages -pointed to this place, 
as quite a town had nlready 1 een started, four mills 
were running, and settlers were coming in very rapidly, 
while at that time there was but little to show on the 
other side. On this question, therefore, the feeling ran 
high, and we find that Gov. Doty threw his interest 
with Reed and the Menasha side, while the unfriendly 
feelings between Harrison Reed and Jones deprived the 
latter of the former's active aid and sympathy, and it 
looks as though Jones was left alone to do his figuring. 



18 



70 THE ''GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 



At last, in the sumoier of 1849, the commissioners for 
the Improvement met at Oshkosh to receive propositions 
from different parties for the route and h)eation of the 
canal, more particularly to receive propositions from the 
towns of Menasha and Neenah. 

Harve}^ Jones had determined to offer to build the 
locks and cut the canal if the Commission would locate 
the Improvement on the Neenah side. It is generally 
understood that this plan of Mr. Jones' was in some way 
treacherously carried to Reed, who, when the time came, 
and the parties met before the Commission, of course 
was prepared to make a better offer than Jones should. 
Reed, therefore, offered to build the Improvertient, and 
give $5,000 for rhe privilege. This, of course, 
captured the game, and Menasha was awarded the im 
proveraent, to the great chagrin of Jones, who, how- 
ever, at once determined that Neenah should have the 
benefit of the Improvement, even if he built locks and 
cut a canal himself, which he at once proposed to do. 
He did not live to carry out his scheme, but he com- 
menced it, and it was carried to completion by his ad- 
ministrators, and Neenah did have the steamboat busi- 
ness in early days equally with Menasha, and the WTiter 
can well remember seeing the boats pass through the 
locks. The Appleton Belle at that time made regular 
tripi^ through c»n this side, but with the coming of the 
railway the boat business soon fell into disuse. 

It is a matter of history and interest, fully appreciated 
by early settlers, that Mr. Reed not only failed to pay 
the $5,000 bonus, but by some sharp management he 
afterward received pay for the work done on the Im- 
provement, all of which had been offered as a free gift. 

In connection herewith we give a concise history of 



NEENAH LOCAL HISTORY. 71 

the Fox River Improvement, from its inception to the 
present day. 

THE FOX RIVER IMPROVEMENT. 

Of all the enterprises, both public and private, that 
tended to develop the natural resources of the Fox river 
valley and draw hither capital and population, the works 
undertaken for the improvement of the river for naviga- 
tion were the greatest. For a while the volume of water 
in the river was amply sufficient for the purpose of nav- 
igation, yet the great and rocky rapids at Neenah, Ap- 
pleton, and Kaukauna rendered the river impassable for 
vessels. As early as 1834, the United States Engineers 
made a survey of the river for the purpose of estimating 
and designing the works necessary to overcome these 
obstructions, and in 1842 the first company was organ- 
ized to execute the work, but nothing was done. 

In August, 1846, Congress passed an act granting to 
the State of Wisconsin, on its admission into the Union, 
for the purpose -of improving the navigation of the Fox 
and Wisconsin rivers and of constructing the canal to 
unite the said rivers at the Portage, a quantity of land 
equal to one-half of three sections in width on each side 
of said Fox river and the lakes through which it passes 
from its mouth to the Wisconsin, at the Portage, to be 
selected by tlie Governor. 

In 1848, immediately after the admission of the State 
into the Union, the Legislature passed an act accepting 
the grant, and shortly after Gov. Dewey selected the 
lands, and the State undertook the work, and provided 
by law for the appointment of a Board of Public Works, 
under whose direction and srpervision the improvement 
should proceed. Surveys, plans and specifications were 
made and the whole was parcelled off into sections, and 



72 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 

each section was separately let to the lowest bidder to do 
the work. To defray the enormous expenses of the Im- 
provement, a Land Office was opened at Oshkosh, for 
the sale of the lands so granted. For a year or two suf- 
ficient funds were thus realized, but by degrees the Im- 
provement kept sinking the State in debt. Much oppo- 
sition was manifested in the southern part of the State 
and a public disposition was manifested to abandon the 
work before it was half finished and after $450,000 had 
been expended on it. But a number of persons, living 
along the route, and who were interested in its comple- 
tion ordained otherwise. In 1853, the Legislature char- 
tered a new corporation, styled "The Fox and Wiscon- 
sin Improvement Company.'' 

To this company the State transferred all the lands 
remaining unsold and all rights, franchises, etc., in the 
locks and dams, making proper provisions that the State 
indebtedness should be paid, and requiring bonds to ren- 
der the State secure under the arrangement. 

This new company went on and undertook the com- 
pletion oi the work, and in doing so incurred liabilities 
to an enormous amount, and thereby became hopelessly 
bankrupt. But nevertheless they succeeded in opening 
a water route and highway from the great lakes to the 
Mississippi, and in June, 1856, they purchased a steam- 
boat at Pittsburg, Pa., had her taken down to the Miss- 
issippi, thence up that and the Wisconsin rivers to the 
Portage, thence through the canal into the Fox, and 
thence down the river to Green Bay. When that boat 
passed through it was a day of great rejoicing through- 
out the Fox river valley. Guns were fired, flags were 
hoisted, speeches made and uproarious rejoicings were 
indulged in at every landing. That was a great day for 
the Fox river valley. 



NEENAH LOCAL HISTORY. 73 

The company, being now hopelessly in debt, and 
many of the locks and dams in an unsafe and unfinished 
condition, the company sought power to mortgage their 
property and franchises and the lands still remaining 
unsold and raise funds to pay off its indebtedness and 
complete the work. To this end, the Legislature, on 
the 3d day of October, 1856, passed an act authorizing 
the company to convey all their property, franchises, 
etc., to three trustees, and to issue bonds on the security 
of said trust deed. The bonds were issued and discount- 
ed by eastern capitalists and the company for the time 
was relieved. Prosperity now flowed in upon them. 
The Improvement was the only highway for commerce 
and travel in the Fox river valley; times were good and 
emigrants numerous. From 1856 to 1862, the river re- 
sounded with the hum of industry, the panting throbs 
of steamboats and the echoing scream of the steam 
whistle; but soon all became changed. When the rail- 
road was opened to Green Bay travel and business for- 
sook the river and the Improvement was laid up amid 
the memories of the past. Thus matters remained until 
1866, when the trustees, at the instigation of the bond- 
holders, foreclosed the trust deed and the Improvement 
and the lands became the propert}^ of the 

GREEN BAY & MISSISSIPPI CANAL COMPANY. 

The principal stockholders in this new corporation 
are Samuel Marsh, Erastus Corning, ex-Go v. Seymour 
and a few others, all men of great ability and influence 
—men whose far-reaching thoughts and sound judg- 
ments have realized for them great fortunes, and here 
we find them united in a speculation which, in ordinary 
hands, would be fruitless, but in theirs a mine of wealth. 
They had now an immense prospective value, and a 



19 



74 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 

water-highway that cost nearly two millions of dollars, 
but now of no value unless the Government could be in- 
duced to take it. 

A few years ago a great commotion sprung up all over 
the country about the great cost of transportation of the 
products of the country from the interior to the seaboard, 
aud elaborate articles appeared in magazines and news- 
papers, showing up the advantages of water carriage over 
land carriage, and the great saving effected by the for- 
mer. And soon the excitement reached Congress and 
on the 7th day of July, 1870, an act was passed, author- 
izing the Secretary of War to ascertain the sum which 
ought, in justice, to be paid to the Green Bay and Miss- 
issippi Canal Company as an equivalent for the transfer 
of its property in and on the line of %ater communica- 
tion between the Wisconsin river and mouth of the Fox 
river, including its locks and dams, canals and franchises, 
or so much of the same as may be needed; and the sec- 
retary was further authorized to join with the Company 
in appointing a board of arbitrators, one to be selected 
by the secretary and another by the G. B. & M. C Co., 
and the two so chosen were to appoint a third. Under 
this act. Secretary Belknap appointed the Hon. Wm. 
Larrabee, of Iowa, the Company appointed ex -Senator 
Doolittle, and these two appointed ex Gov. Dillingham, 
of Vermont. These arbitrators appraised the property 
and interest of the Company in the Improvement in the 
sum of $320,000, as follows: Dredge boats and personal 
property, 140,000; water power and lots, $140,000; and 
locks, canals, etc., $145,000. The Government, in 1872, 
took the latter and paid the Company therefor $142,000- 
Soon afterward navigation was shut off for improve- 
ment and the Government has since expended nearly a 



NEENAH LOCAL HISTORY. 75 



million of dollars in building locks and dams. Last 
summer navigation was resumed and the Improvement 
is now (1877,) in excellent condition, and navigable 
throughout its whole extent for vessels drawing four 
feet of water. 

The importance ol this highway has not, we believe, 
been over-estimated by its earlier or later advocates. It 
is true that, since the re-opening of 'navigation, it has 
been utilized only to a comparatively small extent, but 
the advantages which it offers for chjeap transportation ^ 
will certainly be improved, more and more, as time ad- 
vances. But, it must be remembered^ that the import- 
ance of this route to the people is not confined to the 
business which is actually performed upon it. The 
competition which it offers to land carriage has the effect 
of reducing the general tariff of transportation, to a very 
wholesome extent, and in this is. found one of its most 
important desiderata to the people." 



-^-.^^ ^^^^^3=^$^^ 



76 THE " GAZETTE " BOOK. FOR 1 877-8. 



ELEVENTH CHAPTER. 



RECOLLECTIONS OF REV. O. P. CLINTON. 



His Arrival at the Rapids— Stops with Harrison Reed — Inci- 
dents IN Connection with Holding Religious Services in the 
Early Days— Places where He Preached— A Trip to Green 
Bay— John R. Kimberly's Advice to the Brewer— Early 
Day Incidents — Killing op Bear and Deer on the Island — 
Etc., Etc. 

To G. a. Cunningham : 

Sir: — In reply to your request to furnish a sketch of early day 
transactions, I submit the following roughly-drawn and brief 
narrative of my coming to Neenah, and a few incidents of early 
day doings. 

Y first visit to the place was in December, 1845, 
when I was hospitably entertained by Harri- 
son Reed, Esq., and his agreeable lady, at their 
block house during my short stay. I saw at a 
glance the importance of the locality, and at once inter- 
ested myself in directing attention to it both by personal 
conversation and written reports. Results have proved 
that I did not overestimate the importance of the point. 
Among the persons immigrating to the outlet of Win- 
nebago lake, as the result of these personal efforts direct- 
ly or indirectly, I may mention L. H. and Harvey Jones, 
and other relatives, James Ladd, J. F. Johnston, H. 
T. Finch, Deacon Mitchell, L. Wheatley, John Sanborn, 
Deacon Donaldson, C. Northrup and son, and others. 
In the month of March, 1846, I removed my family 




NEENAH LOCAL HISTORY. 77 



from Lake Mills, Jefferson county, to Winnebago Rap- 
ids, occupying a block house on the Point above the 
outlet of the lake, and the iollowing Sabbath held re- 
ligious services at my house, which was the beginning 
of religious meetings in Neenah. T then represented 
the American Home Missionary Society as a missionary 
for Northern Wisconsin. My preaching places for that 
season; regular and incidental, wereOshkosh, Rosendale, 
Springvale, Waukau, Rushford, Strong's Landing, (now 
Berlin,) Fond du Lac, and Neenah. 

To compass my circuit required four weeks, making 
my regular service at Neenah every fourth Sabbath, the 
intermediate Sabbaths being occupied with Sabbath 
Schools and reading meetings. In the early part of the 
summer of 1841, we renovated an old block house, which 
we found without floor, door or windows, and appro- 
priated it to church and school purposes. In this house 
the lamented Deacon Mitchell was married m a public 
congregation to his estimable wife. Miss Caroline Boyn- 
to7i, a former pupil of mine. Those were days of small 
things, of sacrifices, privations, and earnest work, and 
yet days of sobriety, friendship and peace. Our gath- 
erings were seasons of warm, friendly greetinsfs, with 
the pioneer grip which iione but first settlers can a])pre- 
ciate. 

My first missionary year in Northern Wisconsin cost 
me drives in all of about seven thousand miles, affording 
me the opportunity of preaching about two hundred 
sermons. Nearl}" all the supplies for my family were 
hauled from Oshkosh in my buggy, on my monthly re- 
tui'u trips, over horrible roads, always taking an axe 
along to chop around the seemingly bottomless mud 
pits. Little rest and no rust in those pioneer times. 



20 



78 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 



In the summer of 1847 an exchange was arrangfed be 
tween Rev. J. Porter, pastor of the Presbyterian church 
of Green Bay, and myself. But how to execute the ar- 
rangement, with no roads or bridges, was the difficulty. 
But the pioneer doctrine is "Where there is a will, there 
is a way " Well, by virtue of having a brother who 
was a blacksmith, I nailed some shoes to my horse's feet, 
(it could not be called shoeing,) took Mrs. C. and the 
little C.'s into the buggy, forded both rivers at the out- 
let, followed the beach of the lake to Clifton, often in 
rounding trees and logs, plunging the horse into water 
nearly to his girth. At that time there were no settlers 
at Clifton. Having despatched our lunch upon the 
native grass, with axe in hand I lead the way, following 
an overgrown road of Black Hawk antiquity, and cut 
our way through two miles to the military road, and then 
the way was clear to Green Bay. Several times I drove 
from Neenah to Jefferson county to meetings of coun- 
cils, conventions, and once from Fort Atkinson to Pal- 
myra and preached the ordination sermon of Rev. C. 
Camp, now of Waukesha. 

In an early day, one Jones, of Welsh extraction, or 
some other honorable nationality, dropped into our set- 
tlement and proposed to start a respectable brewery. 
Some questions arose between the proprietors of the soil 
and the would-be brewer, as to the site of such an in- 
stitution. John Kimberlv, Esq., had chosen Neenah as 
his home and he was thought to be a competent adviser 
in this grave matter. The question was therefore pro- 
posed in a business like manner: ''Mr. Kimberly 
where do you think would be the best site for a brew 
ery?'' The characteristic reply was, " In h — 1, sir !" 
But this opinion of Mr. Kimberly's was overruled by 



NEENAH LOCAL HISTORY. 79 



other counsel, who thought the machine could be run 
more successfully in Neenah. And so it was erected 
upon the beautiful banks of the Fox river, in full view 
of Mr. Kimberly's residence, a practical proof of the 
successful rivalry of Neenah. 

In the autumn of 1847 I moved into Gov. Doty's 
house, on Doty Island. The following summer a bear 
put in an appearance on the opposite Point. Taking a 
gun. I paddled my dug out across below, and cut off his 
retreat. Discovering his danger, he artfull}^ crept from 
my sight, took to the water and struck for the Island. 
Mrs. Clinton, seeing Bruin's prospects of escape, with 
stones and clubs, and terrific shouting, kept him at bay 
until an [ndian reached the scene of excitement and dis- 
patched his bearship. The Indian complimented Mrs. 
C. as best he could, calling her " brave squaw," etc. 
One evening a huge panther came prowling around our 
premises, uttering the most terrific screeches. Several 
shots were fired at him in the twilight, some of which 
evidently took effect, as a young panther, a short time 
after came out, moaning, in a starving condition, and 
was shot and killed by one Thomas McGhan, then in my 
employ. Deer were quite plenty, and the Island was a 
favorite resort for them. I killed one near the present 
site of the Northwestern depot. We occasionally had 
a bear hunt on a small scale. On one occasion I had a 
fine sight of one and my gun missed fire, but he was 
soon h.T,lted by Lum Hart's sure fire. .Judge Wheeler 
killed one with a shot gun. So you see our fresh meat 
markets were flush, if somewhat scattered, consisting 
not only of deer and bears, but coons, squirrels, rabbits, 
pigeons, pheasants, etc., to say nothing of fish and water 
flowls, which were abundant. 



80 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 

But I am taxing your patience. I could tell you of 
our early navigation ; of the little steamer Manchester, 
which could run to Oshkosh almost as soon as a boy 
could walk it. Also how we landed women and children 
from the sail boats in a brisk wind and storm, some on 
horse-back and some on human-back. Ask Mrs. Enos 
how she was taken from a boat in front of my house, 
when she was a young lady. I could also tell you of 
missionary tours to Oshkosh and Stockbridge in a dug- 
out. But I hear you say enough such, and I am of the 
same opinion. Yours in remembrance of old times, 

0. P. Clinton. 



'^^]Msk' 



.-*«?^ ^®iK®fif3^&>— 



NEENAH LOCAL HISTORY. 



81 



TWELFTH CHAPTER. 



BUSINESS IN EARLY TIMES- 



Business and Improvements on the AVater-Power — The Old 
Saw Mill Built by Hakvby Jones, and Run Many Years 
BY Robert Hold — J. c^ H. Kimberly Build the First 
Flour Mill— The Old Empire Mill— Building of the 
AVinnebago Flour Mill— The Fox River Mills— The Stone 
AND Brk^k Mills— Other Improvements and Changes, Etc. 



Sf|fww|E now turn to trace the o-rowtli and course of 
-jtf ||[||| business during the early period of the city's 
l^l 1, history, and to mark the first phms for found- 
' ..,;. * ing the industries which in latter days have 
made Neenah one of the most inii)ortant and prosperous 
points in the entire State. 

In speaking of the business interests of Neenah, of 
either latter times or of earlier days, we must needs first 
mention those located upon the water-power, as they 
take prominent precedence in the business and indus- 
tries of the place. Neenah's water power is her grandest 
triumph; without it she would be but as thousands of 
quiet hamlets the country over, while with it she is 
known far and near, and her name and fame as a manu- 
facturing city is the boast of the entire State, and the 
just pride of her citizens. 

The first attempt to utilize the water-power was at 
the time the Government erected the old grist and saw- 



21 



82 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK, FOR 1877-8. 



mill, an account of which may be found in the earlier 
chapters of this volume. What little business was 
transacted at these mills was the first business in Nee- 
nah, aside from trading with the Indians. The first 
written history of these old mills may be found in the 
first chapters of this book, and as the citizen of to-day 
notes the long line of mills and factories that adorn and 
enliven the banks of the noble Fox, and as the reader of 
this book in years to come notes the illustrations of 
splendid paper and flour mills which to-day stand as 
successors to those first feeble efforts to utilize this 
great power, we cannot doubt but they will marvel at 
the growth and improvements in but a lapse of thirty 
years. 

The first mill built on the water-power by private 
parties, was a saw-mill, erected in 1848 by Harvey Jones, 
northeast of the old Government saw-mill, and directly 
on the spot where now stands the Neenah Paper Mills, i 
Charles Lindsley was interested in the scheme with Mr. 
Jones, but the latter purchased his interest before the 
mill was finished. This mill was the scene of Robert 
Hold's first business venture in Neenah, he having pur- 
chased it in 1850, in company with Wm. L. Lindsley 
and Asa Jones. By these parties it was conducted for 
about two years as a lath mill and furniture manufac- 
tory. In 1852 Mr. Hold became sole owner of the con- 
cern and continued the business for many years; indeed, 
up to the time when the old mill was torn down, (in 
1864,) to make room for the Neenah Paper Mills. 

Mr. Hold gives some laughable accounts of business 
transactions at that time. Money was very scarce, and 
nearly all business was done on the principle of barter, 
''store pay" being the leading circulating medium. 



NEENAH LOCAL HISTORY. 83 



Hold employed fourteen men, and to use his own words 
" on Saturday night they each oot a live franc piece, if 
we had it, but, as it very often happened, if we did not 
have it, they were forced to take all their wages in or- 
ders, or something to live on." 

This old mill was also the scene of C. B. Clark's in- 
troduction to business in Neenah, he being first em- 
ployed by Hold to work in this mill at the munificent 
salary of seven dollnrs a month. Mr. Hold gives an 
amusing account of his first interview with Clark, and, 
inasmuch as the latter is now one of our njost promi- 
nent and wealthiest l)usiness men and manufacturers, it 
will not be amiss to give it herewith. On the morning 
of Clark's arrival in Neenah, a penniless boy, he applied 
to Mr. Hold for a job, but was told that no more help 
was wanted. This was discouraging and the boy, look- 
ing around among tiie men and boys at work, said "that 
lie should think among so many he might find some 
thing to do." Mr. Hold, as he expresses it, seeing that 
there was considerable " git up and git " about the boy, 
consulted with the loreman and it was discovered that 
one of the boys was about to quit work, and that a place 
might Oe made for the applicant. Therefore, Mr. H. 
returned and informed the waiting lad that he might 
commence work next morning. "But," says Charley, "I 
want to commence now." This was a poser, but it was 
finally decided that he should go to work at once, which 
he did, his first employment being bending chair backs. 

The next improvement on the water-power was the 
erection of a building by Donaldson, Lajess & Co., which 
was afterward known as the Empire P'lour Mills. S. R. 
Kellogg was the "Co.'" in this concern, and the inten- 
tion was to carr}' on the business of manufacturing sash 



84 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK, FOR 1877-8. 



doors, blinds, etc., and do a general planing-mill busi- 
ness. Cronkhite. Burdick & Co., afterward converted this 
building into a flour mill, and, passing through several 
hands, it so continued until torn down — in 1874, — to 
make room for Patten's Paper Mill. 

J. & H. KIMBERLY 

Appear as the next builders of a mill, they having 
commenced the erection of the Neenah Mills in 1850, 
and of all the early day institutions c»n the water power, 
this is the only one now in existence in its original 
form, with the single exception of the Winnebago Mill, 
which was built shortly after. The machinery and 
grinding stones for this mill were taken from an old 
mill in Rensellear county, N. Y., shipped by water to 
Green Bay, and from there brought up the river in 
Durham boats. It was necessary to make several port- 
ages on the trip, and it was in all respects a difficult 
task to transport heavy articles on this route. H. A. 
Burts was the millwright and S. G. Burdick the first 
miller. Kimberly's mill has the distinction of being the 
first flour mill built in Neenah by private parties. 

Next on the list come the Winnebago Mill;?, owned by 

SMITH & PROCTOR. 

This mill was built in 1852, by Edward Smith & H. 
Wheeler. Hugh Sherry was interested in the plan when 
first started, but sold out before the mill was finished, 
and shortly after erected the Fox River Mills. Edward 
Smith has retained his ownership from the first, and 
since 1857, when .John Proctor purchased half the 
property, these two men have continued its owners and 
managers. 

Eben and John Welch, at an early day built a small 
mill on the site now occupied by the flour mill of How- 



NEENAH LOCAL HISTORY. 85 



ard & Davis, and C. 0. Page and brother built the plan- 
ing- mill now owned by Henry Sherry and occupied by 
Hooker & Wickert for a like purpose, though for several 
years it was used as a flour mill. A little old building 
was also erected along about 1850, near where A. W. 
Patten's paper mill office now stands. This was used 
as a foundry, a machine shop, a furniture factory and 
other purposes. It was known as the Pangborn prop- 
erty for many years, and was destroyed by fire about 
ten years ago. 

Next on the list comes the Fox River Mills, built in 
18.56, by 

HUGH SHERRY. 

This property was shortly after purchased by Wm E. 
and J. R. Ford and owned by the latter until sold to 
Kimberly, Clark & Co.. who erected thereon the (rlobe 
Paper Mills. 

The brick and stone mills were the next addition to 
the manufacturing interests, the first built by 

MILLS & PEET, 

And the latter by James Smith. Both these mills have 
been for several years owned and run by Clement & 
Stevens. Sanford's planing mill was originally an ele- 
vator and warehouse, standing on the south race near 
the railroad track, and moved to its present site by 
James Bassett in 1867- Bassett a?lso built the shingle 
mill, now owned by Henry Sherry, and run as a saw 
mill. The stone flour mill of Striddie & Krueger, now 
run by A. H. F. Krueger, and the stove foundry of Peck- 
ham & Krueger were comparatively late day additions. 
The foundry was torn down to make room for a large 
addition to the Globe Paper Mills. Before the comple- 
tion of the Improvement and commencement of steam- 



22 



86 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 



boat navigation, merchandise was brought from the east 
by lake to Green Bay, and from there up the river in 
Durham boats, frequent portages being necessary to get 
the goods around places in the river so rapid and rocky 
as not to admit of the passage of a loaded boat. During 
the winter months teams were kept on the road hauling 
supplies to and from Green Bay. All the flour and feed 
shipped from the mills here was transported to Green 
Bay ill this way, until the building of the Chicago & 
Northwestern railroad to that city in 1863, and scores 
of teams were thus employed for a number of years. 
Many of the early settlers who were fortunate enough 
to own horse teams, would turn an honest penny in this 
way, while the millers themselves owned teams which 
they kept steadily on the road. % 

In addition to the mills on the race we have several 
industrial institutions operated by steam power, and lo- 
cated eleswheie in the city. Prominent among these is 

BROWN^'s STAVE WORKS. 

This institution was commenced in a small way by The- 
odore Brown, in 1860, and is now one of the leading in- 
dustries of the city, employing a large force, and making 
a market for stave and heading material for all the ad- 
jacent country. 

THE KEENAH STOVE WORKS, 

Started in 1854 by Moore and Bro., as a general found- 
ry, is also one of the substantial institutions of the place. 
Of late years this concern has been owned and managed 
by Messrs. Smith, Van Ostrand & Leavens. 

THE NEENAH PLOW WORKS. 

Business commenced at an early day by John Berg- 
strom, as a general blacksmithing establishment, and 
afterward enlarged and extended so as to embrace the 



NEENAH LOCAL HISTORY. 87 



manufacture of plows on a laro;e scale. This institution 
is now carried on b}' a son of the founder, Geo. 0. Berg- 
strom . 

aylward's plow works, 
Established in 1872, by Wni. Aylward, is a thriving es- 
tablishment, doing a general foundry business, but 
making a specialty of cast iron plows. 

All later changes and improvements on the water- 
power may be found in our summarised list of local 
transactions. 



--^f^ ^^^S^^*5^^ 



88 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK, FOR 1877-8 



THIRTEENTH CHAPTER. 



EARLY DAY COMMERCIAL TRANSACTIONS. 



The First Store, by Jones & Yale — J. & H. Kimberly Build 
THE Brick Store— Early Day Trading — Hard Times — 
Smith's Block — View of Wisconsin Avenue in 1856 — E. & 
H. Smith — Alex. Billstein — Other Early Day Business 
Men— Building of Pettibone Block— Later Changes on 
the Street, Etc., Etc. 



^^^HE first stock of goods offered for sale in Neenah, 
!|tl ^ aside from that of Indian traders, was by Jones 
^^1^ & Yale, in 1847. The store was kept for a while 
^0^ at the old mill house, opposite and near the grist 
mill, and afterward for {i tinif? in an old log block house 
not far from where the brick store of Mr. Geo. Christen- 
son now stands on Main street. The volume of trade at 
that time, as the reader will readily guess, was very 
small, and such as it was made up largely of barter with 
the Indians, the exchange of calico, blankets, gunpowder 
and other articles for furs. Settlers were few and their 
wants the same, and for this class, aside from pork, flour 
tea, nails, glass, and a small demand for the simplest 
varieties of dry goods, there was not much buying 
until the garments brought with them had totally dis- 
appeared, and until some products had been secured with 
which to get others Those who still survive those early 
da) swell remember how few, in comparison with to- 



NEEN"AH LOCAL HISTORY. 89 



day, were the actual wants of men and women in those 
early times. That which to-day is considered an actual 
necessity, was then an almost unthought-of luxury. 
The next business men to appear on the scene were 

JOHN AND HARVEY KTMBERLY. 

They first came to Neenah in June, 1848, and in the 
autumn of that year took up their permanent residence 
here, and had much to do with shapino- the course of 
events during- those early years, as they built fine resi- 
dences, and shortly became interested in both mercan- 
tile and manufacturing interests. 

The Kimberly's br(»ught a stock of goods west with 
them, and after concluding to locate at Neenah, they 
secured a portion of what was then called the Paddock 
building, erected that year by F3enjamin Paddock, who 
died at Neenah in 1877, ami into this building, or part 
of building, they moved their goods and opened a store. 

At that time, what we now call the " upper end of 
town,'" was supposed to be the site of the business centre 
of the future city, and the four corners near the present 
track of the Chicago & Northwestern railroad, w^as con- 
sidered the four most desirable corners in the entire 
plat. 

J. c^ H. Kimberly were exceedingly anxious to secure 
a building lot at or ]iear these corners, and urged Harvey 
Jones to sell thein such lots as they wished, but Mr. 
Jones not wishing to dispose of the most eligible loca- 
tions, refused, and would offer them nothing with which 
they were satisfied. Finally the Kimberly's began to 
cast about and thought that they might perhaps do bet- 
ter elsewhere, and they had at that time a most favor- 
able opinion of Depere, which location they had seen 
while coming up the river. Mr. Curtis Reed, of Me- 



23 



90 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 



nasha, just then interested in securing settlers, and par- 
ticularly business energy and experience, as well as cap- 
ital, made the Kimberly brothers exceedingly favorable 
offers, all of which becoming known to Mr. Jones, and 
he seeins: that they were determined to have what they 
wanted, or nothing, finally concluded to give them 
choice of lots, and arrangements were soon perfected se- 
curing a location on which they shortly afterward built 
a brick store, (still standing) and residence lots as well. 
The large white house, still standing, and one-half of it 
now occupied by John R. Kimberly, was erected in 1849» 
and was then and for some years, the finest house in 
the county, and the admiration of all the early comers- 
In 1849, Jones & Yale built what was for many years 
known as the 

. YALE BUILDING. 

A part of this old frame is still standing, situated near 
the railroad track, on Wisconsin avenue, and latterly 
known as the Jensen House To this building Jones & 
Yale removed their store, where it was kept for some 
time. The upper floor of this building was finished off 
as a hall, and religious services were held there for many 
years. It wa^ also, at one time, used as a public school 
room. In the winter of 1849-50, J. & H. Kimberly 
built the 

" BKICK STORE,'* 

still standing, and for several years occupied as a cooper 
shop, and owned by Clement & Stevens, of the Falcon 
Flour Mills. At the time of building, this was a most 
pretentious establishment, and for many years was the 
store of the place. This store was owned and conducted 
by J. & H. Kimberly until 1857, when J. A. Kimberly, 



NEENTAH LOCAL HISTORY. 91 



son of John R. Kiniberl}^ and Ilavilah Babcock foi'nied 
a partnership under the firm name of 

KIMBERLY & BABCOCK. 

They carried on the business in the brick store until 
the winter of 1863-4, when they moved to their present 
quarters, the brick block now^ known as Pettibone Block 
havino^ just been completed by Wm. E. and J. R. Ford, 
and afterward sold to C. J. Pettibone, who at that time 
occupied the corner store, where the National Bank is 
now located. 

Quite a number of stores were erected on Wisconsin 
avenue and on Main street from 1850 to 1856, including 
Smith's block and Weeden's Hotel. Then followed a 
very dull time in the city's history, and up to 1863, 
when the Ford Bros, built the large brick block on the 
corner of Wisconsin avenue and Cedar street. There 
was no particular improvements on the street worthy 
especial mention. Smith's block, a double brick store, 
still standing and now occupied by Wm. Kellett and 
Alex. Billstein & Co., was erected in 1855, by Edward 
Smith, and he and his brother Hiram occupied the cor- 
ner for a long time as a general store. Wex. Billstein 
came to Neenah in 1856, and began business in the 
store which he still occupies, and where he has amassed 
a handsome fortune. 

A VIEW OF WISCONSIN AVENUE IN 1856, 

Which we present herewith, is copied from a daguerreo- 
type taken that year, and will be readily recognized by 
all old settlers, and will bring to mind many names and 
incidents long since forgotten, and forms quite a strik- 
ing contrast to the street scenes of to-day. 

The view is taken looking up toward the lake, and 
from about opposite where Robert Hold's furniture store 



92 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK, FOR 1877-8. 



now stands. At that time there was little or nothing 
in the way of buildings on the north side of Wisconsin 
avenue west of Cedar street. As will be noticed, but 
few of the buildings shown in the picture are now in 
existence, and those mainly east of the Russell House, 
the business since those days having gradually worked 
west, and towards the Island, and stores built twenty- 
five years ago in what was then considered the most de- 
sirable locations, are now deserted for those situated 
where at that time no one wanted lots. 

In addition to the above, the following parties, still 
here in trade, figured among the early day business men. 

E. P. Marsh, who began business in 1858, in the 
building now occupied by Joe Kellett as a meat market, 
at one time was in the corner store under the old Dolson 
House, and in 1870, built the handsome brick store 
where he is now located. 

Henry Wildfang was also in trade at an early da}', 
commencing in 1856 In 1874 he built a fine brick store 
and is at this date located therein. W. P. Peckham 
and H. P. Leavens were also old timers, commencing in 
in the hardware trade in 1858. Peckham is still in the 
same business, though at this time alone. 

James Galigan, John Brown, C. W. Leavens, George 
Rogers, G. Christenson and E. Elwers were also early 
day traders, and are still in business. The present 

NATIONAL BANK 

Was established in 1861, Henry Hewitt, sr.. President, 
and Robert Shiells, cashier, and is still under the same 
management. 

Wm. Kellett, Krueger & Willard, Geo. E. Scott. S. 
F. Henry, Wildie & Gleason, A. Striddie, E. Newdeck 
and others are comparatively late day additions, and for 




24 



NEENAH LOCAL HISTORY. 95 



further particulars the reader is referred to our con- 
densed history of local transactions, and the Business 
Directory. 

Heturnin"- to the subject of business in the earl}' days, 
we find tliat for four or five years after the death of 
Harvey Jones, the outlook was, as an old settler has ex- 
pressed it, "almighty blue."' The fact of nearly all the 
real estate being in hopeless litigation, and no prospect 
of a settlement nntil the heirs of Jones should become of 
age, combined with the mismanagement of the estate 
))V the administrators, prevented capital from locating 
upon and improving the water-power, and almost en- 
tirely put a stop to any further business enterprise in 
the village. Hnndreds of men came here from the east, 
man}' of them with ample capital, and would endeavor 
to secure water-power privileges and other real estate, 
but when they learned the condition of affairs, few chose 
to take the chances on buying lands when no title could 
be given, and so it happened that while Oshkosh, Fond 
du Lac, Ai)pleton and other points, with far less natural 
advantages, wen' being rapidly settled, Neenah was al- 
most at a stand still, and things did look " almighty 
blue.'' As a proof that the above named circumstances 
were principally accountable for this deplorable con- 
dition of affairs, we have the well known fact that after 
the heirs all became of age, and the Jones estate was 
tinally settled, and after Abigail Jones married Rev. Mr. 
Bassett and her portion of the property was placed in 
market, as well as more or less of that going to the other 
children, Neenah made a more snbstantial growth dnr- 
ing the first five years succeeding, than for the whole 
fifteen preceding; confidence and security being fully 
restored, and the yearl}' sales of real estate three times 
that of preceding years. 



96 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK, FOR 1877-8. 



FOURTEENTH CHAPTER. 



CONDENSED HISTORY. 



0j _ 

4 



%0\l M period of six years, beginning with January, 
^; 1872, and extending to January, 1878, all local 
transactions of general importance or interest are 
4i0- given in the succeeding pages. This will be an 
invalual)le feature of the work, and alone worth the cost 
of th«' l)()()k. It has been a tedious and laborious under- 
taking to secure and arrange all this matter, but we feel 
that all who are interested in the book will fully appre- 
ciate onrctforts to place before them a complete histori- 
cul record of our city. 

The matter is arranged by months, showing the 
monthly occurrences during each of the years named, 
and the exact date is given in matters of more general 
interest. G. A. c. 

1872 



JANUARY. 

[iMUiMr Olmstead seri(nisl_y injured wdiile at work in 
tlu* il<Hir mill of J. H. Kimberly & Co. Eben Welch, 
for sevenii vears teacher in the Neenah schools, died in 
town of Clayton. First festival and supper l)y the 
Daughters of Rebecca. E. T. Williams became a part- 
n^^r in the Neenah Stove Works with Mr. A. K. Moore. 
A vl ward's Plow Works established. 



NEENAH LOCAL HISTORY. 97 



FEBRUARY. 

Robert Brown begins the nianiifactore of shoddy ma- 
terial in Olmstead's mill. Leavens & Clark dissolved 
partnership in the hardware business. Grand Leap 
Year sleisjh ride to Appleton, and banquet at the Levake 
House. W. A. Wilkes examined and admitted to prac- 
tice as an attorney. (Jerehro spliml nieaiiK/itls appears 
in epidemic form and creates quite a scare. Articles of 
association ineorj)orating the Fox River Paper Mill Co. 
Henry Shoemaker died Feb. 16th, of cerehro spinal men- 
ingitis. S. L). Hinman, of Princeton, goes into business 
with U. C. Wheeler. 

MARCH. 

First switch engine located at this point. Theodore 
Tilton lectured in Pettibone Hall. Firm of Kimberly, 
Clark & Co. formed, and arrangements made for build- 
ing the Globe Paper Mills. 

APRIL. 

The old Fox River Mills torn down to make room for 
the Globe Paper Mills. Alex. Billstein elected village 
president, over Hugh McGregor. Geo. E. Scott engages 
in the hardware business with J. C. Mossop. The can- 
tata "Haymakers'' given under management of Prof- 
Brand. 

MAY. 

Moore's foundry rebuilt. Little son of Mr. Warnes 
drowned. A boy named Peter Estes killed by a run- 
away team. T. G. Kellogg died, aged 75 years. G. Olds 
begins the manufacture of buses. 

JTiNE. 

Mrs. J. E. Chapin died at Albany, N. Y. Riverside 
Park purchased by village authorities. Death of Hattie 



25 



98 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 



Smith. L. C. Porter purchases the Empire Mills. 
Death of J. Jaquith, aged 70. 

JULY. 

Miss Nettie Hewitt and Miss Maggie Shiells go to 
Europe. Loos' steam bakery built. Savings depart- 
ment, of Bank of Neenah organized. Wheeler and 
Cunningham lease the Old Government Grist Mill. 
Henry Sherry lays out and improves Lake View Addi- 
tion. 

AUGUST. 

Rasmus Nelson died from sun stroke. T. T. Moulton 
builds lime kiln near the railroad track. Grant and 
Wilson club formed. Mrs. Samuel Oborn, mother of 
Mrs. .Tohn Stevens and Ed. Oborn, died at Cleveland, 
Ohio. 

SEPTEMBER 

Great temperance meeting held on Doty Island, ad- 
dressed by Father Willard, Col. Watrous, and others. 
Barnum's World's Fair exhibited in Neenah. Mrs. J. 
W. Williams narrowly escapes death from asphyxiation 
at the residence of R. T. Morgan, Oshkosh. 

OCTOHEK. 

Globe Paper Mills commence operations. Rev. M. V. 
B. Bristol is assigned to the M. E. Church. National 
Bank takes possession of their present quarters, corner 
Wisconsin avenue and Cedar stveet. 

NOVEMBER. 

The remarkable epidemic, known as the horse epizoo- 
tic, makes its appearance. McConnell elected to the 
Legislature over L W. Hunt. Mr. H. Shoemaker receives 
l>500 from the village for injuries sustained by driving 
into an opening carelessly left in the sti^eet. Epizootic 
and bad roads cause a wood famine. 



NEEISTAH LOCAL HISTORY. 99 



DECEMBKR. 

Deacon Walbridge died, Dec. 5th. H. Mack received 
1275 for damjiges received through defective sidewalk. 
Horses resume work, after having the epizootic. Resi- 
dence of A. J. Webster burned. Extremely cold, ther- 
mometer ranging from 32*^ to 38'*'. Vote to ratify pur- 
chase of Riverside Park, and amendments to village 
charter. 



1873. 



JANUARY, 

In this month died A. K. Moore and Lulu Manville. 
Slight small pox scare during this month. Great snow 
storm occasions stoppage and delays of railroad trains. 
Pettiboue Block narrowly escapes destruction by fire. 

FEBRUARY. 

Influenza, in epidemic form, not unlike the epizootic, 
proves a sore affliction. The Presbyterian Church adopt 
the plan of sustaining expenses by contribution. Sev^eral 
railroad accidents occur near Dixie. 

MARCH. 

In this mouth Neeuah was int-orporated as a city. 
Clement & Stevens made the first purchase of wheat in 
Minnesota, shipping via the West Wisconsin and Green 
Bay k Minnesota railroad to Green Bay, and thence by 
Chicago k Northwestern to Neenah; their first purchase 
was 20,000 bushels. Messrs. Smith, Van Ostrand & 
Leavens purchase the Neenah Stove Works, and begin 
active operations in the manufacture of stoves. Post- 
master .John W. Williams died suddenly, March 21st. 

APRIL. 

In this month occurred the first charter election, Ed- 
ward Smith being elected as Neenah's first Mayor witb- 



100 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 



out opposition. The following were the first aldermen 
elected in this city: First ward — J. B. Russell, W. Kell- 
ett. Second ward— A. W. Patten, X. Miclj^elson. Third 
ward — Fred Krueger, J. Bergstrom. Geo. Danielson was 
first treasurer under the city administration. Clement 
& Stevens purchase the stone mills. 

MAY. 

Common Council meetings first held in the room over 
Patten's Block. Government survey ol* the south chan- 
nel completed. Geo. E. Scott buys the interest of Mos- 
sop, and is alone in the hardware trade. Residence of 
John Stevens partially destroyed by fire. Brick stores 
of Cook, Bradley, Newdeck and Elwers begun this 
month. Gilbert Jones sells a number of city lots at 
auction. 

JUNE. 

Island House built. Fift^y^ thousand young shad, and 
five thousand young eels turned loose in the Fox River. 
Residence of Henry Hewitt, sr., burglarized. Pic-nic ai 
Riverside Park, by Steam Engine Co., No. 2. 

JULY. 

Neenah Amateurs give the play of the " Stranger.*' 
Petti bone Hall, July 3d. Grand regatta, in which the 
Minnie Graves wins first prize, $200. Deacon Mitchell, 
one of the earliest settlers, died this month, 21st. Work 
commenced on Monoghan's block. Cedar street. 

AUGUST. 

An efi'ort to rebuild the "long bridge" is defeated by 
farmers from the Neenah side of the river. Work com- 
menced on the fine residence of J. A. Kimberlv, Esq. 
The slash-boards on the dam removed by Capt. Edwards 
and a posse of Government employees. Park hall built. 
Elisha Quartemas, an estimable young man, died Aug. 



NEENTAH LOCAL HISTORY. 101 



25th. Geo. 0. Bergstrom buys the entire business of 
Neenah Plow Works. 

SEPTEMBER. 

(jrand Granoe pic-nic at Riverside Park. In this 
month is recorded an incident remembered by all read- 
ers of The Gazette, the same bein^ the mysterious 
death, at the Russell House, of the wife of one " Phil- 
lippe," a wizard and sleia^ht-of-hand performer, who 
gave an exhibition at Pettibone Hall, Saturday night 
his wife lying in a dying condition at the time, and be- 
ing dead in the morning. She was buried in the Pot- 
ter's Field the same day, attended only b}^ the boarders 
from the hotel and the strange man who claimed to be 
her husband. The latter left the following morning, 
and the whole affair made a deep impression on the com- 
munity. In this month began the famous panic of '73. 

OCTOBER. 

The Island House completed. Northern Wisconsin 
Press Association meet at Oshkosh; C. H. Boynton, ot 
The Gazf:tte, elected secretary. Newdeck's brick 
store hnislied. Good fall of snow, Oct. 21st. Rev. Mr. 
Olmstead takes the pastorate of the M. E. Church, suc- 
ceeding Rev. Mr. Bristol. 

NOVEMBER. 

Peckham elected to the Assembh' over Verbeck. 
Winter sets in uncommonly early, heavy snow storm 
11th. Famous railroad case between Tilly Walker and 
Wisconsin Central railroad tried in Circuit Court at 
Oshkosh. The famous Vinland ghost scare creates con- 
siderable interest. 

peoember. 

Tuesday, Dec. 2d, large gathering in honor of the 
completion of the chapel addition to the Presbyterian 



26 



102 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK, FOR 1877-8. 



Church. Two cars loaded with wheat are pushed off 
Clement & Stevens' side track into tlie river. Old 
School Presbyterian Church purchased b}' the M. E. So- 
ciety, and the brick church by the German Lutherans. 



1874. 
JANTARY. 

The custom of New Years* calls inau.s^urated in Nee- 
nah. VVildfang's mineral well discovered. Grreen Bay 
Store established in this citv. Robert C'olyer lectures 
in Pettibone Hall. 

FEBRUARY. 

The^old (Tovernment Flour Mill and Sherry's saw mill 
destroyed by fire Monday nioht, Feb. 9th. Menasha 
incorporated as a city. Kimberly & Henry dissolve 
partnership in the drug business. The present house 
of worship used by the M. E. Church re-dedicated. 

MARCH. 

Henry Sherry purchases the Hungerford saw-mill. 
Gen. Kilpatrick lectures m Pettibone Hall. Work com- 
menced on the Winnebago Paper Mills. 

APRIL. 

G. A. Cunningham becomes editor of The Gazette. 
Edward Smith re-elected Mayor over J. R. Barnett, 
majority, 38. The following Aldermen were also elect- 
ed: First ward, H. P. Leavens. Second ward. M. E. 
Sorley. Third ward, M. 0. Brian, and George Daniel - 
son City Treasurer. [nauguration of the remarkable 
"woman's crusade" in the temperance cause. The license 
question is hotly discussed. 

may. 

A. W^. Patten purchases the old p]mpire Flour Mills 
of L. C. Porter, and breaks ground for a paper mill in 



NEEI^AH LOCAL H ISTORY. 103 

the same locality. John Hunt commences brick block 
on Wisconsin avenue. Kimberly, Clark & Co. purchase 
the Neenah Paper Mills of Smith & Van Ostrand. Mr. 
and Mrs. John Stevens and Robert Shiells, Esq., go to 
Europe. Considerable excitement tliis month over the 
" temperaiH-e crusade."" 

Steaml)oat dock liuilt at Riverside j-'ark. Rev. Mr. 
Fi-eenum takes the pastorate of the Baptist Church. 
Temperance and relioious services are held in George 
Thompson"s saloon. Pinale and Wnidfing begin oper- 
ations on brick stoi-es. 

JULY. 

Messrs. Wnllf & Clausen, from Milwaukee, commence 
business in Neenah. Grand celebration and pic-nic at 
Riverside Park, .Fuly ith. Regatta on the lake, etc. 
Niobe and Peerless, ot Oshkosh, first two Ijoats around^ 
\Vm. Kellett's residence burglarized. Great tire at Osh- 
kosh, July IJth. D. E. Gardner resigne<l the position 
of princii)al in onr city schools to accept a professorship 
in the State Nornnd Scdiofd at Platteville. 
.vrorsT. 

Miss Lu (-ase is thrown IVom a buggy while driving 
neai- the Neenah Stove Works and quite seriously in- 
jured. Simon Nelson, a Danish laborer dies from sun- 
stroke. Two boys, one a son of Alderman O'Brien, an- 
other named Williams, are smothered to death in Shoe- 
makers elevator, Monday, Aug. 10th. 

REPTEMBKli. 

Work commenced on Myers" bi'ick building. Propo- 
sition by the city Council to aid Mr. Russell in the erec- 
tion of a hotel. G. Christenson begins work on new 
brick store. 



104 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK, FOR 1877-8. 



OCTOBER. 
Senator Matt Carpenter and Coi. Goodwin address a 
mass meeting on Doty Island, 10th. Robert Shiells and 
daughter, Bina, return from their European trip. Rev. 
Mr. Olmstead is retained as pastor of M. E. Church. 
Rev. Hiram Marsh, an aged and respected citizen, died 
Oct. 19th. Barlow & Young establish the C. 0. D. 
Store. Willis Leavens, died of apoplexy, 28th. 

NOVEMBER. 

Dr. N. S. Robinson elected to the Assembly over 
Merrill, of Winneeonne. A.M. Kimball elected to Con- 
gress. Thanksgiving services held at the M. E. Church; 
Rev. J. E. Chapin delivering the address. 

DECEMBER. 

Robert Campbell, a young man 16 years of age, 
drowned while skatiii": above the dam, Dec. 1st. The 
year's improvements as figured up in The Gazette, 
amount to ^307,400, the year 1874: being the most pros- 
perous of any in the annals of the place. 



1875- 

.TANUARY. 

W. N. Moore, once a prominent citizen of Neenah, 
died this month at his home in Joliet, III. Hon. Schuy- 
ler Colfax lectured in the Presbyterian Church, llrth. 
Exceeding cold weather during this month, thermome- 
ter ranging as low as 34^ below zero. Hiram Smith, 
D. C. Van Ostrand and George Harlow go to California. 
Clayton cheese factory incorporated. Temple of Honor 
organized, 29th. 

FEBRUARY. 

Great snow storm early in this month; roads blockad- 
ed for days. Citv charter amended, making four wards. 



NEENAH LOCAL HISTORY. 105 



Prof. J. A. Russell holds a musical convention. Course 
of lectures by Prof. Pepper. Coldest period on record; 
spirit thermometer indicating as low as 44*^ below zero. 
In this month is recorded a most interesting circum- 
stance, it being the return to the city and town of the 
railroad bonds voted to the Wisconsin Central, and their 
public destruction by burning, in the street opposite 
The Gazette office. Immense snow drifts block up the 
roads. 

MARCH. 

Dr. J. C. Mills, died, aged 73. Common Council vote 
aid to J. B. Russell, in consideration of his building the 
Russell House. The spelling mania affects the country. 

APRIL. 

.1. C. Kerwin commences the practice of law. City 
lot on Cedar street sold to the Schuetzen Bund. Alex. 
Billstein elected mayor over A. E. Cross. The following 
Aldermen also elected: First ward, Hugh McGregor; 
Second ward, Charles Petzold; Third ward, Gilbert C 
Jones. The Fourth ward held their first election this 
month, sending J. W. Toby and VVm. Robinson to rep- 
resent them in the Board of Aldermen. A. Eisenach 
was elected city treasurer, and T. T. Moulton superin- 
tendent of public schools, for a term of two years. The 
spelling mania strikes Neenah, and several exciting and 
interesting public spelling matches are held. The old 
Russell House torn down to make room for a large new 
hotel. City map prepared by county surveyor Palmer, 
delivered to purchasers. W. P. Peckham sells his inter- 
est in the firm of Peckham, Krueger & Co. New bell 
secured for the Presbyterian Church. Great fire at 
Oshkosh, April 28th. 



27 



106 THE ''GAZETTE" BOJK, FOR 1877-8. 



MAY. 
Corner-stone of the Russell House laid, 17th. Con^ 
cert given for the benefit of sufferers by the Oshkosh 
fire; over f^iOO secured. Pitt Peckham purchases the 
hardware store of Smith, Van Ostrand & Leavens. 

JUNE. 

First annual cruise of Neenah Yacht Club. Very 
successful fair held by the Catholic Church, at Concor- 
dia Hall, Menasha; gold-headed cane voted to Mayor 
Alex. Billstein. Pic-nic by the Oshkosh Knights of 
Pythias, at Riverside Park. 

JULY. 

Grand Fourth of July celebration at Riverside Park. 
John Roberts buys the " Doty place" of Mr. Ernesting. 
Work commenced on the Schuetzen Hall. Gustavus' 
flourins: mill sold to Sherry & Maxwell. 

AUGUST. 

H. L. Barlow sells his interest in the C. 0. D. Store. 
Blind Tom gives an entertainment at Pettibone Hall. 
Sharp frost this month, 26th, doing much damage. 
G. A. Cunningham assumes entire ownership of The 
Gazette printing establishment. 

SEPTEMBER. 

Great gale of wind sweeps over this section of the 
country, causing considerable damage and loss. Fourth 
ward school house commenced. Burglars raid the stores 
of J. W. Worm, C. B. Manvilleand H. Schimpf Big 
grain crops are recorded in this month, the yield for 
1875 being one of the very best. A man named White 
is fatally injured while at work in the Winnebago Paper 
Mills. 

OCTOBER. 

The Gazette is enlarged to a nine column paper. 
Railroad side-track is built at the rear of the mills on 



NEEN"AH LOOAL HISTORY. 107 



the race. Neeiiah iVews is established by J. N. Stone, 
Oct. loth. J. T. Wooflherid assumes the pastorate of 
the M. E. Church. Residence of A. H. Boardman bur- 
glarized. Rescue Hook and Ladder company organized; 
first officers— Foreman, Adnni Erghott, assistant, Wm. 
Breitwisch: secretary, 0. H. Musgat; treasurer, Theo. 
Paepke; steward, C Eisenach. Hooker & Weickert com- 
nience business in the planing mill. F. A. Wildie be- 
comes a partner with H. J. Gleason in the drug business. 

NOVEMBER. 

Geo. A. Whiting liecomes interested in the Winneba- 
go Paper Mills. Eric McArthur, of Winneconne elect- 
ed to the Assembly. Schuetzen Hall opened and dedi- 
cated (ni Thanksgiving Day. Prof Pepper gives a 
course of lectures, tiie first entertainments in Schuetzen 
Hall. 

DECEMBER. 

Side track completed to the Winnebago Paper Mills. 
Yale time-lock attached to the vaults of the National 
Bank. The Neenah Amateurs tender a benefit enter- 
tainment to the Schuetzen Society. A large party go 
by special train to hear Mrs. Scott-Siddons at Oshkosh, 
18th. A list of improvements for the vear as given in 
The Gazette, amount to |300,000. 



1876- 



JANrARY. 

Dr. N. S. Robinson and family return fi'om Portland, 
Me., and resume permanent residence in Neenah. 
Grand opening of the Russell House, Jan. 11th. Daily 
prayer meetings are held at Good Templar's Hall. A 
fire in Patten's block, in store occupied by J. W. Worm, 
creates quite an excitement. Continuance of very mild 
weather, making it an unusually open winter. 



108 



THE "GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 



FEBRUARY. 

The cantata, Lost and Saved, is given at Schuetzen 
Hall by an Appleton amateur compan}^ The oratorio 
*' Esther" is given in Schuetzen Hall, 12th. George 
Phipps commences business in Neenah. An election is 
held on the question whether the city should adopt the 
high school plan; the result was favorable to its 
adoption. On the 29th of this month occurred a won- 
derful snow storm, it being accompanied by a genuine 
season of thunder and lightning. Ladies have a grand 
leap year party at the Russell House. Burning of Ho- 
gan's store, on Wisconsin avenue- 

MARCH. 

Amateur concert at Schuetzen Hall under the leader- 
ship of Mr. Bradish. The Camila Urso troupe visit 
Neenah. Wm. Aylward enlarges his foundry and plow 
works. 

APRIL. 

Heavy snow storm early in this month. A. H. F. 
Krueger elected mayor, and A. Eisenach re-elected city 
treasurer. The following aldermen also elected: First 
ward, Wm. Kellett; Second ward, W. P. Peckhara; 
Third ward, M. H. P. Haynes; Fourth ward, Martin 
Gavin. Presbytery of Winnebago meet at Neenah, 
Rev. T. C. Kirk wood. Moderator. 

MAY 

In this month occurred heavy and continuous rains, 
raising the water in the lake and river to an unusual 
height, and making it almost impossible for farmers to 
continue their work. 

JUNE. 

Third annual cruise of the Neenah Yacht Club occurs 
this month. Special election held in the First ward for 



NEENAH LOCAL HISTORY. 109 



successor to alderman H. McGregor, resigned; D. L. 
Kimberly is elected. The cantata " Court of Babylon " 
is given under the management of the Baker family. 
Kimberly, Clark & Co. purchase the Peckham & Krueger 
foundry prop(>rty. 

JULY. 

(jrand union celebration held on Doty's Island, July 
4th; Alex. C. Botkin, editor of the Milwaukee Sentinel^ 
and Gen. Harrison C. Hobart deliver the addresses; ten 
thousand people eetimated to have visited the grounds. 
Large addition to the Globe Mills built this month. 
Many citizens of Neenah visit the great Centennial Ex- 
hibition at Philadelphia. A. H. Boardman, local agent 
Chicago & Northwestern Railway, died this month, 19th. 

AUGUST. 

Neenah has a 1)ad run of base ball fever. Extremely 
hot weather this month; men are i'orced to quit work at 
Neenah Stove Works; thermometer marked as high as 
104 in the shade. 

SEPTEMBER. 

Death of Col. H. J. Lewis, Sept. 17th. Congressional 
convention held at Neenah; k, M. Kimball nominated. 

OCTOBER. 

An unusually stormy month is recorded, being a con- 
tinuance of like weather through September; the State 
Fair and the Northern Fair at Oshkosh are failures in 
consequence. A very stirring political canvass occurs 
this month preceding the great presidential contest of 
1876. Order of the Knights of Honor organized in 
Neenah. 

NOVEMBER. 

A very exciting general election held the 7th; city 
goes Republican, 126, and H. P. Leavens is elected to 



28 



1 1 THE " GAZETTE " BOOK. FOR 1 877-8. 



the Assembly over Alex. Billstein, by 136 majority. 
Death of H. L. Barlow, 4th. Exciting and anxious 
time following the election, and pending the final de- 
cision. 

PECEMBER. 

Mrs. Galentine, wife of Dr. Samuel Galentine, died 
Dec. 5th. Lecture in the " Dime Course'' by Robert 
Shiells, Esq., "Crown Jewels of Scotland." Slight 
small pox scare in this month. 



1877- 



JANUARY. 

G. A. Cunningham is appointed postmaster and goes 
into office Jan. 1st. Exceeding cold weather, continuing 
for some two months; no change until late in January. 
Gas question is agitated, and a public meeting held at 
the Russell House. 

FEBRUARY. 

A German named John Gause commits suicide by 
hanging himself in the woods west of the city. John 
Clark, saddler, commences business in Neenah. A run- 
away injures several members of the family of Mr. 
Quiiin. Mrs. A. W. Patten died, 14th. 

MARCH. 

Rev. John D. Potter begins a series of religious meet- 
ings. 

APRIL. 

('barter election results in the choice of D. L. Kim- 
berly for mayor; George Danielson for city treasurer; 
and the following aldermen^: First ward, John R. 
Davis, sr.; Second ward, Henry Sherry; Third ward, 1. 
W. Hunt; Fourth ward, A. Jagerson. One Randall, 
gives a series of lectures on South America. The old 
Yale building, known as the Jensen House, is partially 
destroyed by fire. 



NEENAH LOCAL HISTORY. 113 



MAY. 

Johnson & Co. start a machine shop on the south race. 
A large safe is purchased for the use of the city. Rob- 
erts' Summer Hotel opened to the public, 30th. Burg- 
lars rob the residence of ex-mayor Fred Krueger. 

JUNE. 

D. E. Markham, for several years police justice, died on 
the 12th; James Conlan was elected as his successor at 
a special election held the 26th. In this month died P. 
D. Squiers, foreman in the Winnebago Paper Mill, and 
a very estimable man, 21st; also Mr. Carl Striddie, one 
of the early settlers of the place, and a partner in the 
flouring mill of Striddie & Krueger, 23d. Great camp 
meeting is held on Doty Island, continuing into the 
month of July; thousands were in attendance. Mrs. 
Wm. Maxwell and Levi Strait and son are seriously in- 
jured by runaway horses. Commencement exercises of 
the first class graduating under the high school system, 
is held at Schuetzen Hall, 29th; following are the names 
of the graduates: .lessie Cooke, Nellie Herrick, Delia 
Board man. Eva Leavens, Minnie Gittins, Delia Brown, 
Mamie Ford, Fanny Wheeler and Jackson Tullar. 

JULY. 

C. W. Howard purchases the Patten flour mill, and in 
company with J. R Davis, jr., engages in the milling 
business. On the 19th of this month occurred quite a 
serious conflagration, destroying the stores on Wiscon- 
sin avenue occupied by Swift Bros., Miss Wheeler. C 
Langner, Hirsch & Co.. and G. Bonner; loss about 
$10,000. 

AUGUST. 

Mr. F. E. Hubbard begins business in Neenah. An- 
nual regatta of the Neenah Yacht Club; first prize won 



39 



1 14 THE '' GAZETTE " BOOK. FOR 1 877-8. 



by the Albatross. C. H. Cotton becomes interested in 
the dry goods trade with C. W. Moss. Geo. W. Todd, 
a young lawyer from Fond du Lac, locates in Neenah. 
Commencement of the agitation of the so-called "Green- 
back question."' 

SEPTEMBER. . 

U. N. Roberts a former resident of Neenah, died this 
month at Davenport, Iowa. Mum parties first held. 
Sebastian Haas begins business in Neenah. 

OCTOBER. 

The Presbyterian Synod of Wisconsin was held in 
Neenah this month, continuing five days; tiev. J. P. 
Nichols, of Milwaukee, Moderator. The water in the 
lake and river becomes very low, making it difficult for 
the mills and factories to do their ' usual work. Rev. 
Geo. Gibson becomes pastor of the Episcopal Church. 
Benjamin Paddock, one of the pioneer settlers ol' the 
place, died on the 22d of this month. 

NOA^EMBER. 

C. Langner moves into his new brick store. Hirsch 
& Co. finish their new brick structure this month. In 
this month is recorded a remarkable episode in politics, 
it being the great stampede in favor of the " Greenback 
ticket," the vote for governor in the city of Neenah be- 
ing for Allis, (greenback) 377; Smith, (republican) 115; 
Mallory, (democratic) 146. C. W. Sutton became inter- 
ested with L. J. Dunn in the grocery business. Contin- 
uous rainy weather all this month, making it one ef the 
sloppiest, muddiest times on record. Geo. 0. Kingsbury 
begins business in Neenah in the jewelry line. 

DECEMBER. 

A large party goby special train to Oshkosh to attend 
the Emma Abbott concert. Continued rain and mud; 



NEENAH LOCAL HISTORY. 115 



no frost or snow to speak ol* during this month, and 
farmers were plowing during the holidays; pansies were 
picked in the gardens on Christmas Da}^ lihic bushes 
and apple trees put out green leaves in December, and 
in every particuhir it was the most remarkable winter 
ever known, there being no snow until late in January 
ofl87.S. 






1 1 6 THE " GAZETTE " BOOK. FOR 1 877-8. 



FIFTEENTH CHAPTER. 



CONCLUSION. 



Concluding Eemarks — Neenah in 1878 — A Peediction— " Hard 
Times" — The Unusual Weather and Depressed Business 
IN 1877-8— Etc., Etc. 



Mw||N closing that portion of our book devoted to the 
I history of the place, we deem it desirable to give 
;J a brief statement of the condition of affairs at the 
time of writing. 

Neenah at this time, — January, 1878 — contains a 
population of between four and five thousiind, and has 
the best financial standing and commercial record of any 
place in the State; we believe, however, that the growth 
will be limited, as is the water power privileges, and the 
writer predicts that another twenty years will find our 
city noted for its great wealth, its beautiful location and 
its aristocratic social standing, rather than for its in- 
creased growth or added industries. 

The year 1878 finds the entire country, and with it 
our city, suffering from an unparalleled business depres- 
sion. The cry of " hard times'' was never more general 
or truthful than for the past year, business failures being 
a daily occurrence on every iiand, our own city being a 
marked exception. Real estate and personal property 
have shrunk in general values nearly one half within 
three years, and a general feeling of apprehension and 



NEENAH LOCAL HISTORY. 117 



gloom pervades the country. The present season, as 
noted in preceding pages, has also been such as to un- 
settle all business calculations. From the first of Octo- 
ber until the first of January it rained almost incessant- 
ly, and for weeks business was at a standstill. So open 
a winter was never known, Lake Winnebago at this 
time — Jan. 15th — not being entirely frozen over, while 
steam))oat excursions were indulged in on Christmas 
and New Year's Day. Lumbering^'^business is a com- 
plete failure for the winter, resulting in serious losses to 
all engaged in this vocation. 

The record of the city's business standing may be in- 
ferred from the Business Directory appended to this vol- 
ume, which in after years will give an exact record of 
all engaged in business at this time. 



!)^^fe.' 



-*^?^^JiSi^(^fie^ 



30 



118 THE '^GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 



SIXTEENTH CHAPTER. 



NEENAH IN THE REBELLION 



Effect on Our Community op the Declaration of War — The 
First Enlistments — Exciting Times — Complete Record of 
Co. "G," Third Regiment— List of Killed, Wounded and 
Discharged — Roster op the Company as Mustered Out op 
the Service, AVith Particulars of Promotions, Changes, 
Etc., Etc. 



(^^SQHE great war for the preservation of the Union 
itl K deeply stirred the heart of our community, as it 
^^,^ did every other in the land. So the memory oi' 
'^%P^ that time deserves a place in these pa^es, and a 
lasting record in the annals of the place. 

Who can recall, without emotion, its scenes and ex- 
periences Aroused to patriotic indignation, the call of 
the chief executive was answered by the costliest sacri- 
fices within the ability of the citizens. Fiery youth and 
stable manhood offer themselves to the ranks of battle. 
Mother, sister and wife bid them go with trembling and 
tears. The day of parting is a strange mingling of pat 
riotic celebration and home sorrow. The soldier goes 
forth to the rigid discipline of the camp, the exhausting 
march, the mighty struggle of battle, and the doleful 
experience of the hospital. There follows him the ten- 
der expressions of home love in a thousand forms; the 
oft-repeated letter, the little token in the shape of pho- 
tograph or " house-wife," the box stocked with some 



NEENAH IN THE REBELLION. 119 



bodily comfort or refresh nieiit; the home paper, with its 
newsy hjcals; and tlie soldier's letter in return, full of 
the incidents of war; surmises as to tlie future, impa- 
tient desires for the ending of the war, etc. Then, too, 
when the thunder of battle echoed on the air, how every 
heart stood still lest their own loved ones should be of 
the fallen. And as the bristling columns of the daily 
press or the tiashing telegram announced the dead and 
wounded, what thronged trains of anxious and mourn- 
ing ones poured forward to gather np the beloved re- 
mains, or minister to the suffering. Joyful indeed were 
the notes of peace. The salvation of the Union needed 
no more such costly offerings. The shattered genera- 
tion of war retui'ns again to the peaceful walks of home. 
Quietly they fall into their places — some to linger awhile 
in painful struggles with inveterate wounds or disease, 
and others to wield with new joy the implements of in- 
dustry. But many a home is found dark with the 
shadow of mourning for tliose who return not. The 
sable garments, the vacant chair, cherished knapsack 
or sword or faded uniform, the suspended picture on the 
wall, all speak of the soldier in some far-away grave. 
Let their memory be precious forever. 

And let the memory of that time be preserved. In 
the local annals, as well as in tradition, let each name 
which bore a part be recorded, and let the events pecu- 
liar to that time find a faithful record in these pages. 

Neenah has a noble record in the annals of the rebel- 
lion, three companies of infantry going from this place, 
beside manj^ volunteers in other branches of the service, 
such as cavalry, artillery and in the navy. They were 
all good men and true, and each company has an envi- 
able record. 



120 



THE '^ GAZETTE'' BOUK. FOR 1877-8. 



THE FIRST TROOPS 

Raised in the place were afterward known as Co. "G"' 
Third Regiment, Wisconsin Volunteers. This company 
was enhsted principally by Capt. E. L. Hubbard, some 
of the enrollments dating as far back as April 20th, 1861. 
At the breaking out of the rebellion, and for some 
three years previous, a militia company was under or- 
ganization here, known as the 

NEENAH GUARDS. 

Hubbard was the captain of this company, and it was 
the neucleus for the first enlistments. .This company re- 
mained here several weeks, a good number boarding at 
the Vermont House, and daily drills were carried on at 
the lake shore, it then being a vacant common, where 
now are houses and fine grounds. 

Co. G was mustered into the State service June 9th, 
1861, by Major B. Pinckney, joined the regiment at 
Camp Hamilton, Fond du Lac, June loth, and was 
mustered into the United States service June 29th, 1861, 
by Capt. Mclntyre. 

The following is the muster roll of the company, as 
they went into the service of the United States, and con- 
tains the names of those who first gave their bodies as a 
sacrifice on the altar of their country: 

EDWIN L. HUBBARD ^ Captain. 

J. P. Shephard Eirst Lieut. 

A. J. Cady Second Lieut. 



Ephraim Giddings, 1st Sergt 
R. S. Woodward, 2d '^ 
A. J. Whitenack, 3d '' 
H. C. Tait, 4th " 

Frank Lee, 5th '' 

C. B. Rosenow, 1st Corp. 
T. L Reed, 2d '* 

J. S. Cady, 3d " 



G. S. Hawk, 
Edward Hamilton, 
J. S. Hogan, 
John Hooper, 
J. F. Hubbard, 
J. M. Joy, 
J. T. Kitto, 
E. B. King, 





NEENAH IN THE REBELLION. 121 


Jiiricoln Watson, 4th Corp. 


Andrew Holraan, 


G. W. Dodge, 5tli "' 


A. S. Littlefield, 


E. V. Moraii, 6th ^' 


W. T. Leonard, 


Andrew Jagerson, Tth '' 


0. G. Longstaff, 


Loring Renop, 8th " 


Robert Longstaff, 


M. F. Winters, Musician. 


Ole Oleson Myhre, 


S. S. Picket, 


Alexander McCoy, 


A. A. Edwards, Wagoner. 


W. H. Mason, 


PRIVATES. 


Augustus McNaery, 


Richard Allen, 


J. 13. Nugent, 


E. N. Austin, 


A. L. Newgard, 


Norman Anderson, 


Wesley North am. 


Albert Rowmier, 


0. C. Oleson, 


C. C. Briogs. 


John Oleson, 


H. E. Brings, 


Albert Owens, 


Wm. S Brown, 


Saftbrd Oatmau, 


Charles Bushey. 


Harry Parker, 


G. H. Briley, ' 


L. A. Phettleplace, 


^ W. W. Blake, 


Ira Prouty, jr., 


Chauncy Beebe, 


Albert Post, 


S. H. Beach, 


E. J. Raymond, 


Alfred Boocker, 


Leonard liansom. 


Ahrfun Brinkerhoof, 


Ervin Robbins, 


Haskell Coats, 


Benjamin Sherry, 


Ransom Clark, 


John Shi by. 


R. 0. Crane, 


E. A. Spauldiug. 


D. B. Cook, 


p. L. Scritsniire, 


C. H. Curtis, 


Henry Smith, 


J. W. Co wee, 


A. A. Simonds, 


J- H. Cole, 


William Stan berry, 


Martin Case, 


William Statton, 


Frank ('loser. 


Peter Snellbecker, 


J. H. Elliott, 


J. H. Scott, 


\L K. Edwards, 


Charles Schibley, 


W. W. Freeman. 


J. W. Terwillager, 


G. J. Ferris, 


L. A. Thompson, 


P>. F. Gerry, 


C. B. Vandooser, 


J. B. Gerris, 


Leroy Wood, 


Joseph Goldsborough, 


V. R. Willard, 


J. W. Griffin, 


James Whitney. 


■ 1 



31 



122 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 



HISTORY OF THE COMPANY. 

The following is a brief history of the company, giving 
the engagements and various routes of march, transfers, 
etc., which they, with their regiment, passed through: 

The Third Regiment was organized at Camp Hamil- 
ton, Fond du Lac, Wis., June loth, 1$61. Mustered in- 
to service June 27th, 1861, by Captain McTntyre. Left 
for the field July 12th, 1861, aud arrived at Hagerstown. 
Md,, July 16th, 1861. Was brigaded with the Second 
Massachusetts, Twenty-seventh Indiana, and Twenty- 
sixth Pennsylvania infantry. The regiment was de 
tached for provost guard at Frederick City, Md., during 
the winter of 1861. Feb. 4th, 1862, started with Gen. 
Banks' column up the Shenandoah valley. Participated 
in the battles of Bolivar Heights, Virginia, Oct. 16th, 
1861; Winchester, Va., May 25th, 1862; Cedar Moun- 
tain, Va., Aug. 9th,, 1862; Antietam, Md., Sept. 17th, 
1862; Chancellorville, Va., May 3d, 1863; Beverlyford, 
Va., June 9th, 1863; Gettysburg, Penn-, July 1st, 2d 
and 3d, 1864. Was transferred to the Army of the 
Cumberland in October, 1863, and assigned to the 2d 
Brigade, 1st Division, 20th Army Corps, March 1st, 
1864. Participated in the battles of Resaca, Ga., May 
15th, 1864; Dallas, Ga., May 25th, 1864; Kenesaw 
Mountain, and Chatahoochie River, July, 1864; Peach- 
tree Creek, July 20, 1864; siege of Atlanta, Ga., cam- 
paigns through Georgia and the Carolinas, resulting in 
the capture of Savannah, Ga., Dec. 21st, 1864; Averys- 
boro, N. C, March 16th, 1865; Bentonville, N. C, 
March 19th, 1865; surrender of Gen. Johnston, April 
20th, 1865. The regiment was mustered out of the 
United States service at Louisville, Ky., July 18th, 1865, 
under provisions of General Order No. 24. Headquarters 



NEENAH IN THE REBELLION. 123 



of the Army of the Tennessee. Reported at Madison, 
Wis., for final discliarge and payment, July 24th, 1865, 
where the regiment was paid off and disbanded shortly 
thereafter. 

CO. ''g" at the close of the war. 

The following is the official list of the officers and men 
of this company at the time they were disbanded and 
paid off. Many new recruits had been added from time 
to time, some froui other companies and sections of the 
State, drafted men, substitutes, etc., therefore, many of the 
names appearing on the list are other than those who 
first went out. 

The official record of the company, giving the history 
of every man therein, those who were killed in action, 
died from wounds, discharged, transferred, promoted, 
etc., wqth exact dates, is given herewith, and will prove 
a most valuable record for all time. 

KPHRAIM GIDDINrxS Captain. 

Comniissioned 2d Lient. Nov. 1, 1%1; 1st Lieut. Mav 4. 1863; Captain, 
Maich20, 1864. 

Stephen Lieurance First Lieut. 

Commissioned Oct. 28, 1864. 

Edward V. Moran Second Lieut. 

(,'ommissioned May 20, 1864 . 

Edvvin L. Hubbard, Captain, com. Major, June 1, 1863. 
Andrew J. Cady, 1st Lieut., resigned Nov. 11, 1861. 
Joseph P. Shephard, 1st Lieut., wounded Sept. 17, 1862; 

died Nov. 10, 1862, at Antietam. 
.Tasper Woodford, 1st Lieut., com. Adjutant. 
Philo D. Walker. 2d Lieut., resigned June 27, 186L 
Seth Raymond, 2d Lieut., com. 1st Lieut. Co. A. 
Edwin F. Proctor, 2d Lieut., mustM out July 18, 1865. 

SERGEANTS. 

1— Charles S. Bushey, appointed May 20, 186.5. 
2— James E. Hughston, vet. ap. Corp. July 24, 1864; 
Ser^t. Nov. 11. 1864. 



, 


124 THE "GAZETTE^ 


• BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 


3— Olaus C. Olson, vet. ap. ( 


Jorp. March 6, 1864; Sergt. 


May 20, 1865. Wounded at Dallas. 


4— Edgar N. Austin, appointed May 20, 186n. 


5— James T. Sheeren, appointed May 20, 1865 


CORPORALS. 


1— Alexander McCoy, vet. appointed March 6, 1864. 


2— James T. Hagen, vet. appointed Oct. 20, 1864. 


3_Albert H. Hunt, vet. appointed May 20, 1865. 


4— Albert M. Post, vet. ap. 


May 20, 1865; taken prison- 


er at Winchester. 




5 — Oscar J. Palmer, appoini 


ed May 20, 1865. 


6— Daniel Williams, appoin 


ted May 20, 1865. 


7— Joseph Goodman, vet. appointed May 20, 1865. | 


Frederick S perry 


Musician. 


PRIVATES. 1 


F. M. Adams, 


Albert Feltns, 


George Bel way. 


Ludwig Frank. 


Justin Baribeau, 


Adelbert Foster. 


Robert Beard, 


Philo V. Farnham, 


Henry Bater, 


Joseph Gaubats, 


Fred. Bloom, 


Henry Green, 


John Billinger. 


Charles Heddie. vet. 


Aaron Brick. 


Ed. D. Hamilton, wounded 


Antoine Collin, 


May 25, '62; May 25, '64, 


Alfred Cronk, 


Doney Himes, 


Yost Chester, 


Joseph Hequel, 


James Carvell, 


George Harris, 


H. P. Christianson, 


W. L. Harris. 


William B. Constance, 


Lars Hanson, 


Martin Davelaar, 


James G. House, 


Joseph Dachus, 


William Hughes, 


George A. Dyer, 


Michael Judson, 


H. H. Douglas, 


William H. Jones, 


Louis Dimler, 


Gilbert L. King, 


Leopold Dodge, 


Fred Krossler, 


John B. Eager, 


Samuel B. King., 


William Filch, 


C. H. Knickerbocker, 



NEENAH IN THE REBELLION. 



125 



PRIVATES— 

William Lincb, 

Peter Jens Lillie, captured 

Feb. 14, 1864, 
Fred. Lindour, 
John F. Lieurance, 
Leopold Lacoque, 
Hubert Lewis, 
Frank Labrash, 
Daniel Larry, 
Jean B. Mocceaux, 
H. Morraux, 
Gilham Merringer, 
Louis Mid wed, 
Norman McCloud, 
Nils Monstead, 
Christian J. Nelson, wound 

ed July .30, 1H64, 
L. B. Nicholas, wounded 

June 16. 1864, 
James Price, 
Zachary T. Phillips, 
Franklin Paddock, 
B. F. Pride, 



Continued. 

Fred. Pitman, 

James Parker, 

Leonard Ramson, wounded 
May 3, 1863, 

Ross Richards, 

Michael Radka, 

John W. Rice, 

John Robinson, 

Charles P. Soule, 

Peter Swevil, 

P. Schnellbecker, 

Charles Shibley, 

John Sorrinson, 

Joseph Seipole, 

A. Swikehaver, 

T. Sonday, 

A. Schlocter, 

Robert Schultz, 

John W. Shaw, 

William Townsend, wound- 
ed at Bentonville, 

John B. Wilson, 

C. 0. Wamoth. 



DISCHARGED. 

William W. Freemnn, Ser<^(. vet. wounded May 26, 

1864: appointed Serp:t. Major Oct. 29, 1864; com. 1st 

Lieut. Co. H, May 20, 1865. 
Royal S. Woodford, 1st Ser^t., discharsjed for disability: 

date unknown. 
Frank Lee. Sergt., wounded Sept. 7, 1862; discharged 

March 19, 1863. 

Watson Lincoln, Sergt., discharged July 1, 1864, 

ration of service. 
Charles B. Rosenow, Corp., dischari^ed July 15, 1862, for 

disability. 
Theopihis L. Reed, Corp., disch'dMay 23, 1862, wounds. 
Loring Knapp, Corp.. discharged July 15, '62; disability. 



expi- 



32 



126 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 



G. W. Dodge, Corp., discharo^ed for wounds received 

May. 28, 1862. 
M. F. Winters, Musician, disch'd May 19, '02; disability. 
John H. Elliot, Musician, discharged June 10, 1862. 
Anderson, N., discharged Dec. 1, 1861; disability. 
Anderson, A., discharged June 5 1865. 
xAlexander, Nathaniel, discharged June 5, 1865. 
Bonner, A., discharged June 28. 1863; d'sability. 
Briggs, H. E., lost a leg Sept. 17, 1862; discharged Jan. 

10, 1868. 

Briggs, Caleb C, dischVl July 1, 1864; expr'n of service. 

Brown, William S.. disch'd Aug:. 13, 1861 ; disability. 

Bailey, George H., dischVl by order to enlist on gun boat. 

Blake, William W., wounded Sept. 17, "62; discharged 
Feb. 27, 1868. 

Beach, S. H., wounded May 3, "63; disch'd July 1, '64. 

Booker, Alfred, discharged July 11, 1865. 

Brinkerhoof, A., discharged July 1, 1864. 

Benolich, Hans, discharged June 9, 1865. 

Brown, William A., discharged July 9, 1805. 

Coats, Haskell, discharo;ed. 

Clark, Ransom, discharged Jan. 20, 1862: disability. 

Crnne, Ralph 0., discharged. 

Cook, David B., discharged for disability. 

Curtis, Charles H., dischari^ed July 28, 1864. 

Cole, John H., dischVl by order, to enlist on gun-boat. 

Carr, M., discharged March 9, 1863; disability. 

Cady, John S., disch'd Julyl, 1864; expir'n of service. 

Edwards, H. R., dischVl Sept. 11, 1862; com. 2d Lieut. 

and Captain 21st Wis. Infantry. 

Everson, H., discharged June .5, 1865. 

Foster, John E., discharged Aug. 12, 1861. 

Ferris, Gilbert J., discharged July 1, 1864. ( 



NEENAH IN THE REBELLION. 127 

Fisher, William, discharged June 5, 1865. 

Gerry, Benjamin F., discharged April 6, 1863. 

Gerris, John B., wounded at Gettysburg; discharged 

July 1, 1861. 
Goldsborough. J., discharged July 1, 1861. 
Griffin, .John W., discharged for wounds Feb. 5, 1862. 
Hawk, George S., disch'd Dec. 22, 1862; disability. 
Hooper, John, disch'd by order of War Department. 
Heafty, Fred., discharged .Tune 9, 1865. 
Harris, Gilbert, discharged .Tune 9, 1865. 
Jay, James M., discharged July 1, 1861. 
Jones, John S., missing Feb. 11, 1865. 
Kitto, John F., discharged for disability. 
Littlefield, A. S., discharged Jan. 20, 1862; disability. 
Leonard, William T.. wounded Sept. 17, 1862, and May 

3, 1863; discharged July 1, 1861. 
Lee, Edwin P.. dischM to enlist in regular army. 
Longstaff, 0. G., won sided May 3, 1863; discharged July 

1, 1861. 

Tiongstaff, R., discharged May 21, 1862; disability. 

Liddle, Albert, discharged June 9, 1865. 

Leach, E M., discharged July 1, 1865. 

McNaery, Aug.. wounded Mav 3, 1863; discharo-ed .Tuly 
1, 1863. 

McDonald, Norman, discharged .Tuly 1, 1865. 

Muldoony, Patrick, discharged July 1, 1865. 

Mcintosh, Thomas, discharged June 9, 1865. 

Myhre, Ole Oleson. discharged July 1, 1861. 

Nugent, J. B., discharged May 21, 1862. 

Newjjard, Amund L., vet., wounded at Dallas; dischM 

July .5, 1864 
Northam, Wesley, discharged Sept. 5, 1861. 
Owens, Albert, discharged Jan. 20, 1862. 



128 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 



Oatman, S., discharged Auo:. 3, 1861. 

Oleson, John, discharged July 1, 1864-. 

Parker, Harry, discharged Sept. 11, 1862. 

Phetteplace, L., vet., wounded May 25, 1864; disch'd 

Dec. 20, 1864. 
Picket, S. S., disch"d Oct. 21, 186.3, to enlist in regnhir 

army. 
Prout3% I., jr., wounded Sept. 17, 1862; discharged July 

1, 1864. 

Raymond, E. J., discharged Feb. 7, 1863. 

Robbins, Ervin, disch'd Oct. 21, 1863, to enlist in regu- 
lar army. 

Spaulding, Ed. A., discharged July 1, 1864. 

Sherry, Benjamin, discharged July 1, 1865. 

Simms, Alex., discharged July 1, 1865. 

Shebraum, William, discharged June 9, 1865, 

Statton, William, discharged for disability. 

Stoker, P. F., discharged June 9, 1865. 

Sherman, Leander, discharafcd June 9. 1S65. 

Scritsmier, Peter L., wounded at Chancellorville, disch'd 
July 1, 1864. 

Terwillager, J. B., dischare:ed Nov. 23. 1864; disability. 

Thompson, L. A., dischM Oct. 21, 1863, to enlist in reg- 
ular army. 

Washburn, Lucas, discharged June 9, 1865. 

Wood, Leroy, dischVl Oct. 21, 1863, to enlist in regular 
arm}'. 

Willard, Van R.. wounded Sept. 2, 1862, and May 25. 
1864; discharged July 21, 1864. 

Whitney, James, discharged March 26, 1863. 

Wood, T. S., dropoed July 1, 1864. 

Whitenack, Andrew J., dischVl Feb. 23, 1863; disability. 

Walch, Peter, lost an arm May 25, 1864; disch'd May 
1864. 

Williamson, J. S., discharged June 5, 1865. 

Willard, A. C, discharged June 5. 1865. 

Zorco, Fred., discharged June 5. 1865. 



NEENAH IN THE REBELLION. 129 



TRANSFERRED. 

Jao-erson, Andrew, Sergt., transferred to V. R. Corps, 
March 12, 1865, 

Robie B. F., Corp., vet., wounded May 25, 1862; trans- 
ferred to V R. C. 

Cowce, John, wounded and transferred to V. R. C, Dec. 
28, 1864. 

Kin<?, Ed. B., transferred to Non-Com. Staff, July 14, 

18'62. 
Smith, Henry, transferred to Co. K. 
Scott, James H., transferred to 2d Batt. T. C, Jan. 24, 

1864. 
Waogoner, J., transferred to Vet. R- C, March 12, 1865. 

DECEASED. 

Chauncey S. Beebe, Sergt., died July 7, 1864, of wounds 

received dune 16. 
Allen, Richard, killed Sept. 17, 1862, at battle of An- 

tietam. 
Boss, Herman, died Nov. 14, 1864, at Nashville, Tenn. 
Billings, Jonathan D., died April 10, 1864, at Fayette- 

ville,:iTenn. 
Christian, Rasmus, died June 7, 1865, at Savannah. 
Edwards, Ansel A., killed May 23, 1862, in battle of 

Buckton Station. Va- 
Giddings, Ira A., wounded Mav 8, 1868; died dune 9, 

1863^, at Washington, D. C. 
Holman, Andrew A., died Oct. 28, 1864, at Harper's 

Ferry, Ya. 
Hubbard, John F., wounded May 25, 1864; died July 5, 

1864, at Kingston, Gn. 
Hoverland, Christian, killed in action May 25, 1864, at 

Dallas, Ga. 
Litton, Philander, died June 15, 1864, at Louisville, Ky. 
Liddle. Harvey, died Dec 3, 1864, at Savannah, G. 
Mason, William H., killed Mav 3, 1863, at Chancellor- 

viUe, Va. 



33 



130 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 



Martin, Henry E., wounded May 25, 1864, died July 1, 

1864, at Chatanooga, Tenn. 
Martin, Francis M., killed May 25, 1864, at Dallas, Ga. 
Norrocon, J. W., died Dec. 16, 1862, at Frederick, Md. 
Oleson, Eagle, died Feb. 2, 1865, at Bridgeport, Tenn. 
Raymond, Israel, died Oct. 1, 1862, at Nashville. Tenn. 
Rash, William, died June 17, 1865, Washington, D. C. 
Shieby, John, killed in action May 3, 1863, at Chancel- 

lorville, Va. 
Simons, Austin A., killed May 3, 1863, at Chancellor- 

ville, Va. 
Stansbury, William, died March 2, 1862, Frederick, Md. 
Tait, H. C., killed Sept. 30, 1862, at Antietam, Md. 
Vandoozer, C. B., wounded and taken prisoner; died 

May 31, 1862, at Antietam. 

DESERTED. 

Hoffman, William, dropped as deserter, June 30, 1865. 
Smith, J. B., deserted. 



---*^?^ <?^fei&SE^fS^§^v_ 



NEENAH IN THE REBELLION. 131 



SEVENTEENTH CHAPTER. 



HISTORY OF CO "K'^ 11th REGIMENT- 



Enlistment of the Second Company, by C. J. Wheeler— The 
Recruiting Office and First Drills— Incidents of the 
Time — History of the Company from the Day It Left 
Neenah— Names of Officers and Men, with Their Eecord 
in the Service. 



p^HE second company raised at Neenah was known 

1^ as Co. " K,'' 11th Regiment, Wis. Vol Infantry. 

This company was raised in the summer of 1861, 

" >' " during a very exciting time in the history of the 

rebellion. The company was composed largely of men 

from Neenah and the country towns adjoining. 

Recruiting for the company commenced about Aug. 
1, 1861, C. J. Wheeler havins received a commission for 
that purpose. Wheeler's unoccupied store was used as 
headquarters, and it was there the " awkward squads" 
were first drilled by L. C Session. The company was 
rapidly filled and on Oct. 17th left for Camp Randall, at 
Madison, where it arrived on the evening of the same 
day, and was assigned to Col. C. L. Harris' 11th Regi- 
ment, and designated as Co. K. Was mustered into the 
U. S. Service by Capt. Lamont, U. S. A., Oct. 18, 1861. 
Remained at Camp Randall until Nov. 20th, when they 
left the State for active service, under orders for St. 
Louis, Mo., where they arrived on the morning of the 
22d, and the same day were transported down the river 



132 THE ''GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 



twenty-three miles, to Sulphur Springs, on the St. 
Louis & Iron Mountain Railroad. The regiment was 
divided up for guard duty at the several bridges on the 
railroad. Co. K was assigned two bridges to guard, 
where they remained until March 12, 1862, when the 
regiment was assembled at Sulphur Springs and pro- 
ceeded on the following day to Pilot Knob, Mo., where 
they were assigned to Gen. Fred. K. Steele's command, 
and commenced a campaign through southeast Missouri 
and Arkansas. They were on the march most of the 
time until July 13th, when they arrived at Helena, Ark., 
having been on the march nearly four months, through 
an unhealthy and difficult country, and subsisting much 
of the time on half or quarter rations and water very 
scarce. The whole command were nearl}- exhausted. 
Remained at Helena and vicinity foraging for cotton 
and supplies until about Oct. 1st, when they returned to 
Pilot Knob, Mo., via boat to Sulphur Springs. Re- 
mained at Pilot Knob until Nov. 2d, at which date they 
moved again into southeast Missouri, where they were 
kept constantly on the march from point to point, 
guarding forage trains, etc. 

On the 15th of March, 1863, they embarked at St. 
Genevieve, Mo., and moved down the Mississippi river, 
to Miliken's Bend, La , and took position in the 2d 
Brigade, 14th Division, 13th Army Corps. On the 30th 
of April crossed the river below Vicksburg, and on May 
1st participated in the battle of i\.nderson Hill, near Port 
Gibson, Miss. The Eleventh was detailed for provost 
duty at Port Gibson, where they remained until the 5th, 
when the place was abandoned by our forces. 

Participated in the battles of Champion Hills, Miss., 
May 16th, and Black River Bridge, Miss., May 17th, 



NEENAH IN THE REBELLION. 133 



where the regiment, in a charge on the enemy's works 
captured over one thousand prisoners and a regimental 
stand of colors. Arrived in the rear of Vicksburg on 
the I9t-h, and took position in the trenches on the 20th, 
and participated in the terrible charge of the 22d on the 
enemy's works, in which the regiment suffered greatly, 
it was here that Sergt. Roblee, and privates Marcus 
Cramer and Jonathan Spurgeon received wounds from 
which they died, and Philip Robinson was killed. Re- 
mained in the trenches at Vicksburg until the surren- 
der on July 3d. 

Immediately after the surrender left Vicksburg, join- 
ing the expedition to Jackson, Miss., where they arrived 
on the 10th of Julj . The enemy was driven to his 
works on the 13th, and the siege was pressed with such 
vigor that our forces entered the city on the 17th. 

Returned to Vicksburg on the 24th and remained 
until the 13th of August, when they proceeded down 
the river to New Orleans and were assigned to duty at 
Brashear ( 'ity, La. Participated in the operations of 
Gen. N. P. Banks in Louisiana and Texas during the 
winter of 1863-4. While at Indianola, Texas, early in 
January, Adjt. Ira W. Hunt was appointed recruiting 
officer for the regiment, to re enlist them as veterans. 
A great majority of the company re-enlisted and on the 
10th of March, 1864, left New Orleans for home for a 
month's furlough, w^iere they arrived March 2 2d. 

Re-assembled at Camp Washburne, Milwaukee, April 
23. Left Milwaukee April 25th and arrived at Memphis, 
Tenn., on the 29th, where they were detained until May 
1st, when they were ordered out on an expedition 
through West Tennessee and Northwestern Mississippi. 
Returned to Memphis the 10th, and on the 11th re-em- 



34 



134 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 

barked for New Orleans, where they arrived on the 11th 
and were assigned to duty at Brashear City, La., where 
they remained daring the summer, being engaged in 
various expeditions into the surrounding country, mak- 
ing many important captures of men and property. 
They were afterward engaged in the siege and capture 
of Mobile, Ala., where the regiment took a prominent 
part and sustained heavy loss. 

Although the 11th Regiment did not have the fortune 
to meet the rebels quite as often as some of those em- 
ployed in other theatres of the war, yet it was constant- 
ly in the field performing active, laborious and import- 
ant service. The veterans of the regiment marched over 
three thousand miles and traveled by rail and vessel 
more than nine thousand miles in the various campaigns 
in which they took so honorable a part, and were the 
recipients of many congratulatory orders from com- 
manding officers. 

OFFICERS. 

HIRAM .]. LEWIS Captain. 

Resigned 18ti4. 

Ira W. Hunt Pirst Lieut. 

Commissioned Adjutant. July '^8, 1808. 

Robert P. House Second Lieut. 

Resigned Nov. 27, 1862. 

Benj. F. Lisk, 1st Sergt.|Rf^uben Brockway, 3d Corp. 
Alvin Abel, 2d '*■ j Samuel Bartlett, 4th " 



Promoted to Isl Sergt. Jan. 1. '64, andlQhrist. C. NelsOU, otll 

.lames Farr. 0th 

Hecrnit. 



1st Lieut. Dec. 2. '64. 

Wm. B. RoblfM\ .Sd Sergt., 

Artemus Adams. 4tb " Jjames P. Mark, 7th " 

Promoted to 2d Lient. Nov. 27. '62. and! J . jir, -^„. r,.i i, 

IstLieiil. July28, '64. JcrVlS Mutart, 8th 

And. Michelson, 5th Sergt.jpan Eniery, Musician. 

Promoted to 4th Sergt. Oct. 15. '64. Samiicl DoUffhtv, " 

A 111 on L. Newgaid, 1 st Corp. ! 
John H. Dubois, 2d '' i 





NEENAH IN THE REBELLION. 135 


PRIVATES. 


Anderson, John, 


Hart, James, 


Aldrich, John, 


Holverson, Holver, 


Blake, John, 


Hayden, Andrew, 


Blue, Harvey, 


Hughes, James W., 


Berke, Liberhart, 


Hawkins, Francis, 


Bell, Stephen A., recruit, 


Harmon, George, 


Burnett, Joseph. 


Hansen, Ole, 


Brien, James, " 


Harrington, Jerry, 


Bashford, Biley, " 


Hart, Thomas, recruit, 


Brandes, John C, '' 


Hanson, John, " 


Banson, Ole, " 


Hagenson, Matthias, '' 


Crandell, Asel, 


Hagerson, Andrew, " 


Crandell, Emmett, 


Jones, Edward, 


Conley, James, 


Jones, Robert T., 


Con ley, William, 


Kettleson, Hans, 


Cramer. Marcus, 


Kendly, Florace, 


Doty, William, 


Kruger, AVilliam, 


Donaldson, Samuel, 


Klampe, Gottleb, 


D arrow, Henry, 


Kruger, August, 


Edwards, Henry B., 


Koppel, Arnold M., 


Emily, Anthony, 


Lindsley, George H., 


Forsythe. Alexander, 


Lloyd, Ellas W., 


Franklin. William. 


Lloyd, Henry, recruit. 


Fitch, Seth VV., 


Leroy. Frank, '' 


Forney, Abram, recruit. 


Lane, Samuel, 


Field, Henry C, " 


McAllister, Daniel, 


(-biddings, Joseph M., 


McCormick, John C, K., 


Gotfred, Joseph, 


Marshall, Andrew, 


(jnthshaw, P'red., 


Matocsin, Joseph, 


Giebel, John, 


Olsen. Arne, 


Gilbert, Clark S.. 


Palmer, William H., 


Pronioteilto Hd Ser<it. July 1, "64, and 
Ut Lieut, 1S65. 


Peterson, Henry, recruit, 


Gundersou, Svieninij, recr't 


Perry. John ()., 


1 Hitchcock, Rnfus I.^ 


Rice, Ai., 


Hunt, Albert H., 


Riley, Bernard, 


Hi n man, Albert, 


Ri fen b u rg h , E be nezer, 


Hademan, John K., 


Rover, James D., 


Hen ricks, Homer H., 


Robbitis, Charles (I, 


1 



136 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK, FOR 1877-8. 



PRIVATES— Continued. 



Robinson, Philip, 
Small. Robert, 
Smith, Jesse S., 
Smith, John, 
Spurgeon, Jonathan, 
Spurgeon, Philip, 
Seeor, James D., 
Smith, Jonathan, 
Sengenberger, Geo., recruit, 
Stevens, William H., " 
Spurgeon, Jeremiah, " 
Stickels, Emery, 
Torrence, Wilber E., 



Tyler, Delancy H., 
Thompson, Creighton, 
Thompson, Christian 0., 
Vaughn, Morris, 
Wright, Joseph E., 
Warner, Reuben, 
Wescott, Carver D., 
Wetmore, James, 
Wetmore, (jeorsre, 
Wooledge, Gains, 
Wheeler, Samuel, 
Webster, Henry, 
Yeomans, Solomon. 



DECEASED TO OCT. 31, 1864. 

Anderson, John, died at Brashear City, La., Aug. 7, 1864. 
Bartlett, Samuel, died at Ironton, Mo., Nov. 17, 1862. 
Bashford, Biley, died at New Orleans, June 14, 1864. 
Berke, Liberhart. died at Sulphur Springs, Mo., Jan. 19, 

1862. 
Bansen. Ole. died at Brashear City. La., Oct. 4, 1864. 
Brandes, John C, died at Brashear City, La., Sept. 12, 

1864. 
Conley, James, died at Brashear City, La., Oct. 20, 1864. 
Conley, William, died at Helena, Ark., Sept. 21, 1862. 
Cramer. Marcus, wounded in battle at Vicksburg, Miss., 

died June 8, 1868. 
Dough tey, Samuel, died at Ironton. Mo.. Nov. 11, 1862. 
Edwards, Henrv B.. died at Ironton, Mo., March 13, 

1863. 
Franklin, W^illiara, died at St. Louis, Mo., June, 1863. 
Hayden, Andrew, died at Ironton, Mo., Nov. 27, 1862. 
Hanson Ole, died at Brashear City, La., Sept 15, 1864. 
Harrington, Jerry, wounded in battle at Memphis, 

Tenn., died July 7, 1863 
Koppel, Arnold N., died at Ironton, Mo., Jan. 12, 1863. 



NEENAH IN THE REBELLION. 137 



Klamke, Gottlieb, died at Jackson port, Ark., May 17, 

1862. 
Lloyd, Elias W., died at Vicksburg, Miss., July 3, 1863. 
Nelson, Christian C, died at New Orleans, La., Oct. 10, 

1864. 

Pohlman, Hiram A., died at Brashear City, La., July 

14, 1863. 
Royer, James D., died at Batesville, Ark., June 28, 1862. 

Rrockway, Reuben, died at Old Town, Ark., Aug. 22, 
1862. 

Robinson, Philip, killed in battle at Vicksburg, Miss., 

May 22, 1863. 
Roblee, William B., wounded in battle at Vicksburg, 

Miss., died May 28, 1863. 
Spurgeon, Jonathan, wounded in battle at Vicksburg, 

Miss , died May 29, 1863. 
Secor, James D., died at Van Biiren, Mo., Jan. 1. 1863. 
Torrence, Wilbur E.,died at St. Louis, Mo., Dec. 3, 1862. 
Thompson, Christian 0.. died at St. Louis, Mo,., Feb. 13 

1863. 

Warner, Reuben, died at Rolla, Mo., June 14, 1863. 
Wooledge, Gaius S., died at Ironton, Mo.,Nov. 16, 1862. 

DISCHARGED TO OCT. 31, 1864. 

Artemus iVdams, 1st Lieut., resigned Dec. 2, 1864. 
Robert P. House, 2d Lieut., '' Nov. 27, 1862. 
Aldrich, John, discharged Feb. 5, 1864. 
Blue, Harvey, discharged Sept. 30, 1862. 
Crandell, Asel, discharged Dec. 26, 1862. 
Donaldson, Samuel M., discharged Sept. 10. 1862. 
Emery, Daniel, discharged Oct. 21, 1863. 
Fitch, Seth W., di.scharged Feb. 12, 1862. 
Hunt, Albert H., discharged Aug. 31, 1862. 
Hart, James, discharged Jan. 1, 1863. 
Holverson, Holver, discharged Sept. 30. 1863. 



35 



138 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK, FOR 1877-8. 



Jones, Robert T., discharged June 27, 1862. 

Kittleson, Hans, discharged Dec. 6, 1862. 

Kendly, Horace, discharged April 17, 1863. 

Lisk, Benjamin F., 1st, Sergt., discharged Nov. 27, 1S63, 

to accept commission in colored regiment. 
Lane, Samuel, discharged Nov. 18, 1862. 
McCormick, John C. R., discharged Sept. 30, 1864. 
Marshall, Andrew, discharged Aug. IT, 1862. 
Nevvgard, Anion L., Corp., discharged April 7, 1863. 
Olsen, Arne, discharged March 15, 1863. 
Palmer, William H., discharged Jan. 3, 1863. 
Robbins, Charles C, discharged Oct. 8, 1864. 
Rifenberg, Ebenezer, discharged July 30, 1862. 
Smith, John, discharged Oct. 15, 1862. 
Smith, Jesse S., discharged Feb. 8, 1863. 
Stickles, Emery, discharged Nov. 18, 1864. 

TRANSFERRED. 

Blake, John, transferred to Invalid Corps. 

Emily, Anthony, transferred March 3, 1863, to Co. A, 

11th Wisconsin. 
Forsythe, Alex., transferred Sept. 4, 1863, to Vet. Res. 

Corps. 
Hunt, Ira W., 1st Lieut., transferred to field and staff, 

as regimental adjutant, July 28, 1863. 
Lindsley, George H., transferred to Invalid Corps. 
Vaughn, Morris, transferred to Vet. Res. Corps. 
Wheeler, Samuel, transferred May 25, 1864, to Invalid 

Corps. 
Yeomans, Solomon, transferred Dec. 20, 1863, to Invalid 

Corps. 

DESERTERS. 

Barnard Riley, deserted at Madison, Wis., Nov. 18, 1861. 
Creighton Thompson, deserted at Sulphur Springs, Mo., 
Dec. 5, 1861. 



NEENAH IN THE REBELLION. 139 



RECAPITULATION. 

Whole number of men and officers 119 

Deceased 30 

Discharofed 26 

Transferred 8 

Deserted 2 

With the compan}^ 53 

Total 119 



--'^^ ^!^:sc^^>§^^ 



140 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 



EIGHTEENTH CHAPTER. 



HISTORY OF CO. 'L' 21st REGIMENT. 



7S-J 



The Last Full Company Going from Neknah, Raised by 
Simeon B. Nelson and Abner B. Smith— Particulars of the 
Enlistments — History of the Company — Full List of 
Officers and Men, Etc., Etc. 

^HE next company to leave Neenah was raised by 
K Simeon B. Nelson, of Menasha, and Abner B. 
I Smith, of Neenah, during the month of August, 
^S^ 1862. The store owned by William Seatoft and 
burned in the summer of 1877, was used as a recruiting 
office, and it was a lively place for a few weeks. The 
company were all volunteers, and as will be seen by con- 
sulting the list, contained many familiar names. Dr. 
Linde, of Oshkosh, was sent down to act as examining 
surgeon. The election of officers took place in the store 
now occupied by W. P. Peckham, it having been vacat- 
ed by^ Mills & Williams shortly before. 

Unlike the other companies, Co. I elected no 2d Lieu- 
tenant, it being a plan of Gov, Lewis' to take second 
lieutenants from old companies then in the field, and 
place them in the new raw companies. Thus it occurred 
that Edmund Delaney, a stranger, was commissioned as 
second lieutenant of the company. Delaney did not re- 
main a great while with Co. L resigning the following 
spring. 



NEENAH IN THE REBELLION. 141 



While the company was recruiting the men boarded 
at the Vermont House, kept by L. Stowe. They left 
Neenah for Camp Bragg, Oshkosh, Sept. 1st, from which 
time we give, in the following pages, a complete history 
of the company and record of the men. 

The following is the list of commissioned and non- 
commissioned officers as the company left Neenah, and 
following the record is the entire list of names, with the 
officers in command when they returned home, particu- 
lars of promotions, changes, transfers, deaths, discharges, 
etc, etc. 

COMPANY OFFICERS. 



COMMISSIONEn. 

SIMEON B. NELSON Captain. 

Re?igned April 25, 1863. 

Abner B. Smith First Lieut. 

Promoted Captain April 25, 1863. 

Edmund Delaney Second Lieut. 

Resigned March 29, 1863. 
NON-COMMISSTONED. 

Albert B. Bradish 1st Sergt. 

Promoted 2d Lieut., April 1, 1863; let Lieut. April 25 

Wilder B. M. Torrey 2d *' 

Lucian D. Littlefield 3d " 

Died at Mitchellsville. Tenn.. Nov. 21,1862. 

Joseph I. Barnes 4th " 

On Det. Service, Pioneer Corp., Dec. 1, 1862. 

Cyrus Bradish 5th " 

Wounded at Chaplin Hill, Oct 8. 1862; died Oct. 15. 

James Trudell 1st Corp. 

Pro. Sergt. Nov. 1, 1862; 1st Sergt. April 25, 1863. 

Edward H. Reed 2d 

Deserted when hotly engaged at battle Stony River, Jan. 3, 1863. 

Gustavus Jaeger 3d Corp. 

Promoted Jan. 8, 1863, to Sergt.. April 24 to Ist Sergt.. and April 25, 1863. to 
2d Lieu I. 

James H. DeWolf 4th Corp. 

Promoted Sergeant April 25. 1863. 



36 



142 THE "GAZETTE'' BOOK. FOR 1877-8, 



Joseph W. Forest 5th Corp. 

Died at Nashville, Tenn., Dec. 2T, 1862. 

Joseph H. Dana ... ..... 6th " 

Killed at Chaplin Hill, Oct. 8, 1862. 

Amos W.Hale 7th " 

Cyrus D. Robinson » . . 8th 

Died at Nashville, Tenn., Feb. 17, 1863. 

Albert H. Owen Drummer. 

Henry Walker Filer. 

Co. I was recruited at' Neenah and Menasha, Winne- 
bago County, Wis., by Simeon B. Nelson and Abner B. 
Smith, during the month of August, 1862, and joined 
the regiment, Sept. 1, 1862, at Camp Bragg. Oshkosh^ 
Winnebago County, Wis. Left Camp Bragg with the 
regiment for Cincinnati. 0., Sept. 11, 1862. Left Cin- 
cinnati for Louisville, Ky., Sept. 18,1862. Arrived at 
Louisville Sept. 20, 1862. Left Louisville Oct. I, 1862. 
in pursuit of Bragg; encountered his forces Oct. 8, 1862, 
at Chaplin Hills, and had a severe battle and our regi- 
ment suffered a heavy loss. On the 12th pursued 
Bragg's retreating forces as far as Crab Orchard, Ky., 
and from there marched to Bowling Green, where Gen. 
Rosecrans took command of the 14th Army Corps, De- 
partment of the Ohio. Left Bowling Green Nov. 10th 
for Mitchellsville, Tenn.; arrived there the 12th. Left 
Mitchellsville Dec. 7th, 1862, for Nashville; arrived there 
Dec. 10th, 1862, and camped until Dec. 26, 1862, and 
then left for Murfreesboro. Had an engagement with 
Wheeler's cavalry on Jefferson Pike, Dec. 30, 1862; 
went into the battle of Stony River on the morning of 
Dec. 31, 1862. Jan. 4th, 1863, marched through Mur- 
freesboro and camped three-quarters of a mile south of 
the city. Left Murfreesboro June 24, 1863, in pursuit 
of Bragg, who was strongly entrenched at Tullahoma; 



NEENAH IN THE REBELLION. 143 



came up to his picket at Hoover's Gap, on the evening 
of the same dav- On the 26th participated in a skir- 
mish, driving the enemy from their position. On the 
27th we followed in pursuit and marched to within 
seven miles of Tullahoma; camped there two days. 
While there Bragg evacuated Tullahoma. On the after- 
noon of July 1st we left in pursuit of him, and encount- 
ered his pickets at Elk River, where we exchanged a few" 
shots and drove them. Our brigade, being in the ad- 
vance, was ordered to ford the river; current ver^^ swift 
and water deep. After crossing we were ordered to ad- 
vance; captured a number of prisoners and camped for 
the night. On the morning of the 2d resumed our 
march for Cowan Station. On the 4th, at 12 M., re- 
ceived news of Gen. Meads victory over Lee Were or- 
dered to camp ;tnd a national salute was fired. Arrived 
at Cowan Station July 14, 1863, and marched and skir- 
mished through to Chattanooga, and took an active part 
in the battle of Chiekamaiiga. Remained in Chattanoo- 
ga, in 3d Brig., 1st Div., 14th Army Corps, until Mov. 
2.3, 1863, when it left the fortifications, and on the 25th 
participated m the assault upon Mission Ridge. Dec- 4 
marched to the sunimit of Lookout Mountain, where 
w^e remained until the opening of the spring campaign. 
May 2. 1864, were transferred to the 3d Brigade. The 
regiment marched with Sherman toward Atlanta, par- 
ticipating in the actions at Resaca. Pumpkin Vine Creeks 
Big Shanty, Kenesaw Mountain, Chattahoochie River, 
Peachtree Creek, Atlanta, Jonesboro, and marched with 
Sherman's grand army from Atlanta to the Sea, taking 
an active part in the battles of Savannah, Averysboro, 
and Bentonville, and participated in the grand review at 
Washington, on the 24th of May. Remained near 



144 THE '^ GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 



Washington until June 8th, when the regiment was 
mustered out and started for home, arriving at Milwau^ 
kee on the I2th where the men were paid off and dis- 
banded on the 17th day of June, 1865. 

00. "l" AT THE CLOSE OF THE WAR. 

Below we give the full company membership at the 
tinie Co. T went out of the service, showing the date of 
promotions and changes in officers, as well as a personal 
record of each man in the company, up to the time ot 
going out of service. 

OFFICERS. 

ALBERT B. BRADISH Captain. 

Commissioned 2d Lieut April 1, 1863; let Lieut. April 25, 18B3; Captain Dec. 

21, 1864. 

Charles B. Clark . . First Lieut. 

Commissioned from 1st Sergt. Dec. 17, 1864. 

GusTAVUS Jaeger Second Lieut- 

Commissioned April 26, 1863; Wounded Sept. 20, 1863, at Chickamauga. 

James H. DeWolf 1st Sergt. 

Appointed Sergeant April 25. 1863; 1st Sergt. Dec. 16, 1864. 

Horace B. Clemans 2d 

Appointed Corporal April 12, 1863; Sergeant, Sept. 24, 1863; wounded at Chick- 
amauga, Sept. 20, 1863. 

Nelson Demero 3d Sergt. 

Appointed Corporal Aug. 21, 1864; Sergeant Nov. 1. 1864. 

Joseph Wyot 4th 

Appointed Corporal Jan. 8, 1863; Sergeant Dec. 18. 1864 

James M Clark 5th " 

Appointed Corporal Nov. 1. 1864; Sergeant March 1, 1863. 

Ethan A. Eldridge 1st Corp. 

Appointed April 12, i863; taken prisoner at Chickamauga. 

Samuel Lyner 2d 

Appointed Nov. 1, 1864. 

Elisha Shiply 3d '' 

Appointed Nov. 1, 1864. 

David L. Pearson 4th '' 

Appointed Nov. 1, 1864. 

William Wright 5th " 

Appointed March 1, 1865. 

Albert H. Owen Musician. 



NEENAH IN THE REBELLION. 145 



PRIVATES. 

Augustine, Frederick, wounded Ma}^ 14, 1864, at Resaca. 

Beals, Ira. 

Beals, Orson W., wounded May 30, 1864, at Altoona. 

Bradish, James H., wounded May 14, 1864, at Resaca. 

Brady, Jolin, wounded March 19, 1865. at Bentonville, 
N."C. 

Bur well, Gera. 

Bur well, Uilbei"t. 

Britton, Michael. 

Christiansou. Charles S. ().. wounded May 30, 1864, at 
Altoona. 

Collins, George \V. 

Dubois, George A., wounded July 18, 1864. 

Dennis, Milton P. 

Foster, Edward H. 

Gates, Duke. 

Green, Delos L., wounded Sept. 1, 1864, at Jonesboro. 

Gardner, Bradford, wounded May 10, 1864, at Buzzard 
Roost. 

Henderson, William H., wounded May 30, 1864, at Al- 
toona. 

Hesse, Julius, taken prisoner Oct. 10, 1862; wounded 
July 20, 1864. 

Hart well, Joseph. 

Hillstram, Daniel, wounded at Chatahoochie river. 

Hillstroni, John F. 

Harris, William T. 

Hammond, David. 

Hanson, Jens. 

Held, Charles. 

Howell, Allison H. 

Johnson, Erastns H., wounded July 2, 1864, at Kenesaw 
Mountain. 



37 



146 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 



PRIVATES — Continued. 

Johnson, Harden. 

Locks, Franklin. 

Lloj'd, William. 

Miller, John W., taken prisoner, Sept. 20, 1863, at 
Chickamauga. 

McKonkey, Samuel. 

Meyer, i^ugust. 

Morey, John H. 

Milanthron. .John. 

Nye. William P. 

Olson, Ole. • 

O'Connor, Cornelius. 

Olson, Andrew. 

Pierce, Charles E., wounded Sept. 20. 1868, at Chicka- 
mauga 

Payne, Albert D., taken prisoner at Monfordsville and 
Chickamauga. 

Pierce, James G. 

Parker, Monroe. 

Parks, John. 

Pettrick, August. 

Ritz, Frederick. 

Roberts, Solomon D., wounded Sept. 19, 186.S, at Chick- 
amauga. 

Rosenow, Charles B. 

Sheerin, Frank S., jr. 

Sexton, James H., taken prisoner Oct. 10, 1862. 

Seely, William. 

Seeker, Frederick. 

Shultz, .Julius. 

Stutz, Peter, wounded at Chatahoochie river. 

Shong, John, wonnded at Atlanta and at Bentonville. 



NEENAH IN THE REBELLION. 147 

PRIVATES— Continued. 
Sinursky, Vinrent .1. 
Snider, John. 
Smith, Lewis E. 

Turnell, William, taken prisoner Sept. 20, 1863, at 

Chickamauga 
Tippens. Frederick, wounded May 14, 1864, at Resaca. 
Tnidell, Oliver F. 
Tucker, Eduiiind Gr., taken prisoner in Kentuck}*; was 

w(»unded at Resaca. 
Tess, Frederick, wounded Sept. 1, 1864, at Jonesboro. 
Therd, Joseph, wounded Oct. 8, 1862, Perrysville, Ky- 
Tenney, Kher. 
Van i^tee n , Nicode m u s. 
Willenian, Constant. 
Werner. Frederick. 
Ward. Samuel J. 
W^estiall, August. 
Wright, Joseph. 
York. Wesley. 
Zohle, (Totlol). 

DTSCHAKdEI). 

Edwin Bliss, Sergt., discharged Feb. 24, 1863, to accept. 

com mission - 
George S. Sheldon, Corp., discharged Jan. 25, 1863. dis- 

abilit^y. 
Bradish. George C, discharged Dec. 8. 1862, disability. 
Bartlett, Samuel D., discharged April 20, 1863. disability 
Blanchard, Royal C, discharged May 25, 1863, disability. 
Burslem, Thomas, discharged Oct. 16, 1863, disability. 
Connor, William H.. discharged Sept. 14, 1863, disability. 
Douse, Joseph B., discharged May 30, 1863, disability. 
Erb, Jacob B., disch'd Dec. 8, 18(52, for wounds received 

Oct. 8, 1862. 



148 THE '' GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 



DISCHARGED— Continued. 
Elliott, David H., discharged Sept. 28, 1864. disability. 
Forest. John \V., discharged March 7, 1865, disability. 
Green, Charles C, discharged Jan. 8, 1863, disability. 
Henry, Samuel F,. discharged March 19, 1863, disability. 
Johnson, Ole, discharged Feb. 27, 1863, disability. 
Kennan, George, jr., dischara^ed .Tune 5, 1863, disability. 
Neal, Isaac M., discharged Nov. 17, 1862. 
Nugent, Alfred A., discharged May 16, 1H65, for wounds. 
Ryan, David J., discharged March 21, 1863, for wounds. 
Ruback, William, discharged Jan. 8, 1873, disability. 
Sch wander, Berthold, discharged Jan. 14, 1863; wounds. 
Stiles, Joseph M, discharged March 14,1863; wounds. 
Statton, Richard, taken prisoner at Stony River; dischVl 

April 11, 1863. 
Stanford, Thomas, discharged. 

Thompson. George F., disch'd Feb. 26, 1863; disability. 
Town, John, discharged Jan 24, 1863, for wounds. 
Zain, Frederick W., discharged Dec. 24, 1864; wounrls. 

TRANSFERRED. 

Joseph I. Barnes, Serst., transferred to U. S. V. V. En 2:. 

July 29, 1864. 
Wilder B. M. Torrey, Sergt., transferred to Vet. Res. 

Corps, Feb. 6, 1864. 
Frank Pearse, Corp., wounded Sept. 20, 1883; transfer- 
red to Vet. Res. Corps, Sept. 31, 1864. 
Ao-er, Olavus, transferred to Vet. Res. Corps., Anril 6, 

1864. 
Arnold, Edward, transferred to U. S. V. V. Eng., July 

18, 1864. 
Jackson, Robert, transferred to Vet. Res. Corns., Oct. 7. 

1864. 
Klinke, Rasmus H., transferred to Vet. Res. Corps. April 

6, 1864. 



NEENAH IN THE REBELLION. 149 



TRANSFERRED -Continued. 
Line, Collins (■., transferred to Vet. Res. Corps, April 1, 

1865 
McCullum, iMiirray, transferred to Vet. Res. Corps, Feb- 

6, 1«64. 

Pierce, Mvron L.< transferred to Vet. Res. Corps, Auo'. 
19, 1868 

Sueaf, George VV., wounded at Kesaca; transferred to 

'Vet. Res. Corps, Jan. 10, 1863 
Williams, William, wounded Sept. 20, 1863; transferred 
to Vet. Res. Corps Jan. 10, 1868. 

KILLED IN ACTION. 

Josiab H. Dana, Ccn'p., killed Oct. 8, 1862, at Chaplin 

Hill. 
Bell, Lewis IS., killed May 14, 1864, at Resaca. 
Clinton, Leaman W. killed Oct. 8, 1862, at Chaplin Hill. 
Johnson, William U., killed Oct. 8, 1862, at Chaplin Hill. 
Robinson, John, killed May -U, 1864, at Altoona, Ga. 

DECEASED. 

James Trudell, 1st Sergt., taken prisoner Dec. 30, 1862, 
at 8tonv tliver. Died Sept. 24,1863 at Stevenson, 
Ala. ■ ' ♦ 

Cyrus Bradish, jr., Seroft., wounded Oct. 8, 1862; died 
"Oct. 15, at Chaplin Hill. 

Lucian D. Littletield, Sergt , died Nov. 21, 1864, at Mit- 
chellville, Tenn. 

John W. Forest, Corp., died Dec. 30, 1862, at Nashville. 

Amos W. Hale. Corp., died Aug. 22, 1864, in Anderson- 
ville Prison. 

Cyrus D. Robinson, Corp., died Feb. 17, 1863, at Nash- 
ville, Tenn. 

Barnes, William R., died Feb. 22, 1864, in Danville 
prison. 

Chamberlain, .lames A., died Oct. 25, 1864, in Anderson- 
ville Prison. 



38 



150 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 



DECEASED —Continued. 

Dunn, Henry S., wounded Oct. 8, 1862; died Oct. 24, 
1862, at Chaplin Hill. 

Denslow. Abner M., died Dec. 5, 1864, in Georgia. 

Foster, Franklin F., died Dec. 27, 1862. at Nashville. 

Hamilton, William, died March 3, 186:^, at Murfrees- 
boro, Tenn. 

Harris, Peter, died Feb. 28. 1864, in Danville Prison. 

Hale, Channing A., died April 22, 1864, in Auderson- 
ville Prison. 

Knapp, Charles, died Nov. 25, 1862, at Bowling- Green. 

Kohnke, John, died May 7, 186.3, at Nashville. 

Kellogg, Hollis W., died of wounds June 22, 1864, at 
Nashville. 

Ladd, Malcomb E., died Nov. 29, 1862. at Louisville. 

O'Brine, Edward, died Dec. 6, 1863, at Nashville. 

Pendleton, Jerome, died ot wounds Jan. 29, 1863, at New 
Albany. 

Rontz, Warren C, died Feb. 14, 1863, at Nashville. 

Ranney, Homer C, died Nov. 12,1862, at Lebanon, Ky. 

Reed, George, died July 25, 1864. in Anderson ville Pr'n. 

Simpson, George, died Oct. 20, 1862, of wounds received 
Oct. 8, 1862. 

Shultz, Christian, died Nov. 29, 1862, at Louisville, Ky. 

Vining, Thomas F., died Feb. 6, 186.3, at Camp Chase, 
Ohio. 

Winiman, Christian, died Nov. 9, 1862, from wounds re- 
ceived at Chaplin Hill. 

Webb, Lemuel W., died Oct. 12, 1862, of wounds receiv- 
ed at Chaplin Hill. 

Winchester, George, died June 26, 1864, in Anderson ville 
Prison. 



NEENAH IN THE REBELLION. 151 



DESERTED. 

Fowler, Theron H., deserted May 25, 1863, at Louisville; 

syid to have enlisted in Marine Brigade. 
Reed, Edward H., Corp., deserted when hotly engaged 

at battle of Stony River, Jan. 3, 1863. 
Taylor, Abrani, deserted Oct. 21, 1862, at Crab Orchard, 

Kentucky. 
Woodard, James L., deserted May 25, 1863, at Perry ville, 

Kentucky. 
Walker, Charles A., deserted Aug. 7, 1863, at Camp 

Chase, ; s^iid to have enlisted in regular army. 

The foregoing lists and particulars are taken from of- 
ficial rec(^rds, and from the printed and framed records 
which were arranged at the close of the wai for each 
company, and though they may contain mistakes, are 
as near correct as possible to get them at this time. 

We are indebted to Capt. Giddings tor the records ot 
Co "G;; to adjutant I. W Hunt, for those of Co. "K,^' 
and to Lieut. C. B. ( 'lark for the printed records of Co. "L" 

IN ADDITION 

To the three full companies enlisted here, quite a num- 
ber of men entered the service in other branches. 

Eb. Stephens, now ex sheriff of this county, was at 
that time residing here, and secured a commission for 
recruiting men for the navy, quite a number going from 
Neenah. 

From Mr. H. 0. Clark, who was one of this numljer, 
we have the subjoined particulars: The iollov^ing men 
were enlisted by Eb. Stephens for gunboat duty: 

Geo. F. Thompson, H. 0. Clark,^J. Richards,' P. Ladd, 
p. Kuhn, Thad Sheerin, E. Jenkins, D. Owens, John 
Baird, M. Sutton. 

Aug. 17, 1864, they were sworn into the United States 
service at Chicago, sent aboard the receiving ship Great 



152 THE ''GAZETTE" BOOK, FOR 1877-8. 



Western, then l3'ing at Cairo. They were then drafted 
to the gunboat Juliet, then receiving repairs at the 
navy yard at Mound City; were then ordered to the 
mouth of the White River and did service between there 
and Vicksburs: until July, 1865. George Thompson 
was wounded at Sunny Side, Ark., and went into hos- 
pital at Memphis. 

C. H. Towle was transferred from the army to tlie 
navy, and was aboard the steam ram Vindicator, first as 
boatswain and afterward as purser. , 

Jack Campbell and Henry Robiuson wpre on the 
monitor Chilacothe. 

Joe Faas was aboard of the gunboat Essex. Quite a 
joke was played on him. He was so young that they 
would not enlist him without the consent of his parents, 
so he fell in with some fellow that was going to ship, 
and it was agreed between them that Faas should be 
passed off as his son and assume his name. Everything 
went nicely, the father drawing the son's pay, until 
they were discharged, when the father drew the son's 
back pay and bounty, and skipped out, leaving Joe to 
get back home as best he could. 

Myron Haynes went as substitute for his father. He 
did some service aboard the gunboat Argossy between 
Vicksburg and New Orleans. 

Thomas Reese, jr., shipped during the first of the war 
aboard the sunboat Undine, and saw active service on 
the Cumberland and Tennessee rivers. His boat was 
blown up to keep her from falling into the hands of the 
rebels, and he was wounded and narrowly escaped with 
his life. He was drafted to another boat and finally 
discharged. 



NEEN AH IN THE REBELLION. 153 



ARTILLERY. 

Some sixty men, recruited from different parts of the 
county, went from here and entered the service as artil- 
lerymen. But a few of them, however, were residents of 
Neenah, the following being the only familiar names we 
find: Ezra Lisk, D. Cook, Louis Fourney, Reuben 
Webb, and the three Wells brothers, Charles, Wilbur 
and Samuel. 

CAV^ LRY. 

Quite a number enlisted to join cavalry companies. 
Among them we find of our own town's people: Carrol 
Townsend, Tom Sherry, Sid Coates, James Packard, 
Isaac Angell and James Sherry. The above all entered 
the service in 1861. 



'-'■^f^ ^^^liM^^fie^ 



39 



154 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 



NINETEENTH CHAPTER. 



SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF HARVEY JONES. 




ARVEY JONES, the subject of this sketch, was 
born in the village of Kingsboroiis:h, Montgom- 
ery Co., (now Fulton,) State of New York, June 
22, 1805, and was the fourth son of Asa and 
Lucy Jones, in those days a well-to-do farmer of Con - 
necticut parentage. He came to New York at an early 
day, and, being a thrifty, industrious farmer, accumu- 
lated considerable means, which accumulations he invest- 
ed largely in real estate. Having an intimate friend in 
mercantile business who became embarrassed, he thought 
to help him by endorsement, believing all he needed was 
a little time in which to turn himself, which time could 
be obtained by the endorsement. But it was a delusion, 
as is often the case. When the paper matured there 
was an extension, but in the end he had a large amount 
to pay, which compelled him to sacrifice his property, 
but he made payment in full, saving only his house- 
hold effects and a farm at the foot of the May field 
Mountains, to which he removed in 1809. This friend 
promised to make restoration, but never did. 

At this mountain home we find young Harvey when 
he was but four years old. Hastily passing over the 
first few years, we will say that his educational advant- 
ages were such as farmers' children in those days usually 




' e^i 



.Jiupmi^ ^Q#fi4o 



Bom Juiic 2ii, IHOn. 



Died November 8. 1W9. 



BIOGRAPHY OF HARVEY JONES. 157 



enjoyed, viz., district school in winter, work on the farm 
in summer, and with a family of nine children (seven of 
whom lived to attain man's and woman^s estate, the 
other two having: died in youth.) it means little school 
and much work. Being of a genial nature, always ready 
and willing to assist those in trouble, he became a gener- 
al favorite, both at home and at school. He remained 
at home until he was sixteen, when for two winters he 
taught district school and during the summers at- 
tended the select school of Dr. Elisha Yale, in the vil- 
lage of Kingsborough. Here ends his school days. 

We next find him, at the age of eighteen, clerking in 
the store of W. A. Wells, in the village of Mayfield, 
(1825) where he remained for two years. After leaving 
Mr. Wells hp went to Fondasbush. There he found a 
quantity of lumber, which the owners were desirous of 
sejlius, and made them an offer, which was accepted, 
and paid tliem in full out of his savings. Leaving it 
there, he went to New York and clerked for a Mr. Vor- 
hees. a dry goods merchant on Canal street, remaining 
one year, during which time he had the lumber'shipped 
to Albany, but finding slow sale had it forwarded to New 
York, where he sold it for cash, at a large advance. 
This furnished him the means to start for himself, which 
he did as soon as his year expired, starting a re- 
tail dry goods store on Maiden Lane, near Broadway 
buying at auction and selling for cash, thus keeping his 
money turning, and being of a speculative nature he 
was constantly buying and exchanging property. 

In the fall of 1828 Root & Leonard, merchants of 
Johnstown, were in New York to make their semi- 
annual purchases. They stopped with Mr. Jones while 
in the city, and spent a few days for recreation, during 



158 THE ''GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 



which time they made him an ofter to exchange their 
stock in Johnstown, which consisted of a general 
assortment, for his stock, leaving a balance their 
due. He then made them an offer, which was to let 
them have his stock and lease of store, an oyster-bed and 
some city property which he owned, and some Canada 
land belonging to his brother Asa, and he would take 
their Johnstown store and stock. This oifer was accept- 
ed and Asa took an interest in the store, but the business 
was continued under Harvey's name. This partnership, 
however, was of short duration. 

In the following spring Daniel Potter, of Kingsbor- 
ough, or as he was more generally known throughout 
the State, " King"' Potter, behig desirous of assisting his 
nephew Lucius, who had lived with him irom child- 
hood, a warm friend of Harve3^'s and about tlie same age^ 
proposed to Harvey that if he would remove the Johns- 
town stock to Kingsborough he would put in an equal 
amount for Lucius, and if the}^ needed more njoney he 
would let them have it at moderate interest. Harvey 
bought out his brother Asa's interest, paying for 
it in full, and removed to Kingsborough, under the firm 
name oi Jones & Potter. Being both young men and 
reared almost in this immediate neighborhood, they had 
a large circle of personal friends and enjoyed a very large 
and profitable business. 

Soon after Asa sold out, he and Loyal, another broth- 
er, went to Michigan and settled on a farm in 
Richland, Kalamazoo Co. Asa being a captain in Col. 
Van Vechten's regiment of the state militia, when he 
left it created a vacancy, and Harvey was appointed his 
successor, and soon after was promoted colonel, which 
commission he held till he came west. 



BIOGRAPHY OF HARVEY JONES. 159 

On Feb. 26, 1833, Harvey Jones married Miss Sally 
D., daughter of Judge Samuel A. and Abigail W. Gil- 
bert, of Cranberry Creek, Fulton Co., New York. 

The linn of Jonts & Potter continued for about six 
years, when it was dissolved by mutual consent, and 
everything divided. Mr. Potter remained in Kings- 
borough and Harvey Jones went to Gloversville, where 
he had a large real estate interest. He continued in 
mercantile business under the firm name of Jones, 
Churchill & Sunderland, at the same time engaging in 
the manufacture of gloves and mittens; also buying and 
selling the raw material. The glove business was then 
but in its infancy. While in Gloversville he speculated 
in real estate, as before, both east and west. 

Loyal Jones went to Prairieville (now Waukesha) and 
associated himself with one Cummings in general mer- 
cantile business, under the firm name of Jones & Cum^ 
mings, Harvey giving them letters of credit in New 
York. Harvey remained in business in Gloversville 
until after he made his purchase and first visit to Win- 
nebago Rapids (now Neenah) in 1846, and it was thro' 
Loyal that he first learned of this locality. It happened 
in this way: 

Mr. Clinton, a missionary of the Home Missionary 
Society, was visiting friends at Waukesha and in con- 
versation Loyal said to him: " li you find in your 
travels a locality with a good water-power and farming 
country surroundiflg for sale, I wish you would let me 
know of it, for my brother Harvey thinks favorably of 
investing in the west/' Mr. Clinton came to Neenah 
and met Mr. Harrison Reed, who had bid off a portion of 
the property, but was unable to make payment, and was 
desirous of getting some one to advance the money 



40 



160 THE ''GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 



Mr. Clinton reported to Loyal. Subsequently Loyal 
and Ferine Yale were sent to look over the property 
and were to say to Mr. Reed, if things were favorable, 
that if satisfactory arrangements could be made Harvey 
would advance the money. They made a partial arrange- 
ment with Mr. Reed for Harvey Jones. They soon, 
however, had a personal meeting, when the purchase was 
concluded and the money advanced to meet the govern- 
ment demands. Soon after a contract was made by 
Harvey Jones and Harrison Reed, whereby Jones was 
to convey to Reed an undivided one-fourth interest in 
certain tracts or parcels of land upon his payins: one- 
fourth of the purchase money and cost of improvements. 
(It was this contract which was the subject of much sub- 
sequent controversy, after Mr. Jones' death, but suffice 
to say Mr. Reed's not complying with the final decree 
of the courts the property remained with his estate.) 

In September, 1846, Harvey Jones, his wife and eldest 
son came to Neenah, also his brother A^a. and remained 
until the next spring. Ferine Yale was sent to Wau- 
kesha to assist in closing up the business there. As soon 
as this was accomplished they came to Neenah, engag- 
ing in merchandising with a mixed stock under the firm 
name of Jones & Yale— the firm being Loyal Jones and 
Ferine Yale. 

Upon Harvey Jones returning to Gloversville in the 
spring of 1847, he set himself to work to close up 
his affairs and dispose of his business interests, 
preparatory to moving west with his family. He had 
but just began to realize this result when, on May 15th, 
1847, his wife died, after a short illness, aged 39 years; 
and as ii to verify the saying "afflictions never come 
singly," on Aug. 10th, of the same year, his father, who 



BIOGRAPHY OF HARVEY JONES. 161 



had made his home with him for some time, died, aged 
81 years. 

He returned to Neenah in the fall and remained until 
the next sprint-. During these two winters spent west 
he was busy maturing his plans for the development of 
the water-power and other interests, overhauling and 
repairing the old government mills, preparing to build 
a new saw mill, digging canals, etc. He made generous 
offers to those who would build and improve property — 
in some instances giving lots away, and in others selling 
them at nominal prices — thus making it an object for 
new comers to permanently locate. For instance, lots 
21, 22 and 23 in block "A," 23 and 24 in ''C" were given 
to Ferine Yale, on condition that he should be one of 
two (Loyal Jones the other) to build a double store 40x 
44 on the last two named lots; store building to be two 
stories. The second story was used for a place of wor- 
ship for a number of years. Lots 1, 2, 3, 23*and 24, 
Block "D," was sold for $60 to James Ladd on condition 
that he would put up a tavern house on them, and as a 
further inducement he was to have some of the workmen 
on the dam and around the mills, to board. The Jensen 
House is the Yale building, and the old Winnebago op- 
posite is the hotel built by Mr. Ladd. Other instances 
can be enumerated, but spyce will not permit. 

During his absence from home the second winter, his 
farther-in law. Judge Gilbert, died and on his return in 
the spring April 8^ 1848, his youngest daughter, aged 
4 3'ears. After his wife's death Mrs. Yale, a sister and 
her family made their home with him and took care of 
his children, remaining as long as he lived. 

With a heavy heart he continued his preparations for 
his removal, applying himself more closely to business 



162 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK, FOR 1877-8. 



as if to drown his grief. Disposing of his interest in the 
store, and leaving his real estate with an agent, he start- 
ed west with his three children, all that remained of his 
own family, and Mrs. Yale's consisting of herself and 
two daughters — her husband, Dr. Yale and son, Ferine 
being in Neenah. They arrived in Neenah in June, 
1848, by the way of the lakes from BuflPalo to Sheboy- 
gan, and from Sheboygan to Neenah by team. It was 
a long and weary road from Sheboygan, and to add to 
their discomfort, a heavy thunder storm set in when 
they were about four miles this side of Oshkosh, and it 
was mournful music, as if to add more to his gloom, for 
only a few short months before Mr. .Jones had passed 
over this same road with a happy wife and bright pros- 
pects, while now he had but three of the original six 
members of his own family. 

Beinsf thorough and prompt in all his business require- 
ments, he always exacted the same from others, and it 
is said by those who knew his habits when in business, 
he always wrote his letters, balanced his books, showing 
cost, sales, profit or loss o\ each day's transactions before 
retiring, as it was a maxim of his " let the day's business 
be finished with each day." Seldom did he return to 
his home at the Point, by the old Council Tree, till late 
in the evening. Never too busy, or too weary to enter- 
tain strangers, he seldom returned home unaccompanied 
by visitors, for at that time Neenah could boast of but 
small hotel accommodations. To all he was the court- 
eous gentleman, and never ruffled the placid waters of 
social enjoyment by the cares and vexations of business. 

Early in the fall of 1849 he made a hasty trip to 
Michigan, returning all worn out and sick with a cold, 
refusino- to remain at home and doctor, " for he had not 



BIOGRAPHY OF HARVEY JONES. 163 



time," until about the first of November, when his mal- 
ady assumed a typhoid form, and Nov. 8, 1849, he died, 
aged M years, just in the vigor of manhood and prime 
of life, even before he had fairly begun to realize his 
life's ambition. 
NEENi\H, Wis., Jan. 22, 1878. g. & w. J. 



.-^^«>^P^ ^:isp3.r^§^^ 



41 



164 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 



TWENTIETH CHAPTER. 



UNCONSIDERED PARAGRAPHS. 



The Indian Scare — A Remarkable Incident — Neenah Steam- 
boats — The St. Paul— An Early Day Duel — The First 
Telephone— "The Hundred Day Men," Etc.. Etc. 



I 



|N this chapter we group several early and later day 
incidents and scraps of history which seem to 
(Mm^ have found no place under any of the preceding 
S^iji^' headings, and as they are too good to omit, we 
give them herewith, without any special reference to or- 
der or date. 

THE INDIAN SCARE. 

One of the most remarkable episodes in the history 
of the place, is what was known as "the Indian Scare." 
It occurred in the month of September, 1862, and all 
residents of the place at the time will be promptly re- 
minded of the many, as they appear now, ludicrous 
scenes. It is difficult at this time to give the exact his- 
tory and origin of this phenomenal and remarkable oc- 
currence. 

Beginning no one knew where, and caused by no one 
knew what, it seemed that almost simultaneously, as it 
were, every town in the State was seized and more or 
less affected by the "scare.'' Each place was about to 
be invaded by Indians; people from the country flocked 
to the towns and villages, and nearly the entire State 



UNCONSIDERED PARAGRAPHS. 165 



was panic-stricken. The effect and incidents occurring 
at Neenah, were much the same as in every village in 
the northern or central portion of the State. People 
flocked in from the country, and every man, woman and 
child had a report of something mysterious and alarming. 
The female portion of the community, it must necessar- 
ily be recorded, was in a state of greatest excitement 
and alarm, which, in connection with the children, only 
added to distract the men and deprive them of their bet- 
ter judgement. Squads of armed men patrolled the 
streets for many nights, and the sound of a gun at the 
outskirts of the town would alarm the entire neighbor- 
hood. One thing which, no doubt, made such an occur- 
rence more easily possible, was the fact that just at this 
time thousands of men from the State were in the army, 
which left hundreds of homes in every locality in a com- 
paratively defenceless condition, and this, no doubt, 
had largely to do with bringing about this remarkable 
panic, added to the fact that at the time, the en- 
tire country was in a state of anxiety and excitement. 
The horrible Indian massscre at the little settlement of 
New Ulm, in Northern Minnesota, had occurred not 
long before this, and no doubt had much to do with 
making the cry of" Injuns coining" all the more start-- 
ling. As a matter of fact there were no depredations of 
any kind whatever by Indians in any part of the State, 
and so far as this place was concerned, there were not a 
dozen Indians within twenty-five miles, and the alarm 
was entirely without cause. 

]S"EENAH STEAMBOATS. 

At the present time Neenah takes no particular in- 
terest in the steamboat business, but in our digging 
around after early day items, we find that at one time 



166 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 



Neenah Avas greatly interested in water navigation, and 
that at least four steamboats were built here. The first 
Neenah steamboat was called the Peytonia, then came 
the Jenny Lind. Next came the Vanness Barlow. She 
was built near the old Government mill, or present 
Winnebago Paper Mills. 

Probably the most interesting steamboat experience in- 
dulsred in by Neenah parties, was the building of the St. 
Paul, and her famous trip to the Mississippi. This boat 
was built during war times, on the bank of the south 
race, east of Cedar street, that being all vacant at that 
time. Tremaine, an engineer and machinist, was the 
leading spirit in this enterprise, the plan being to take 
the boat through to the Mississippi and sell her, the 
fact of the government having taken so many boats for 
transports, with the constantly increasing business of 
those days, made a great demand for anything in the 
shape of a boat. H. P. Leavens and Uri Roberts be- 
came interested in the affair, and went out with the boat 
on her trial trip.' 

Their experience was more laughable than profitable, 
as the boat proved very much of a failure, and as the 
owners were all ignorant of steamboating, many ludi- 
crous incidents were connected with the building and 
after management of the craft. She was a flat-bottomed, 
stern-wheel,aff'air, and the engines were so light that on 
the first trip between here and Oshkosh she blew ashore. 
She finally reached the Mississippi, but never succeeded 
in making any"money, and was afterward captured by a 
party of rebels south of Vicksburg and burned. 

AN EARLY DAY DUEL. 

Several years before the war Neenah was somewhat 
excited and considerably amused over an " affair of hon- 



UNCONSIDERED PARAGRAPHS. 167 



or," that occurred something in this wise: An old gent 
familiarly known as " Old E. A. Parker," was at the time 
one of the characters of the place. An old fellow named 
Bell was also a town character, and one not having the 
best reputation. Some difficulty had arisen between 
these two and some of the fun loving boys arranged 
matters so as to make Bell believe that he could do no- 
thing else than challenge the other. The challenged 
party promptly responded and chose shot guns for the 
weapons, and, attended by their seconds, the two re- 
paired to a proper place out behind the old hotel barns, 
which was the spot selected for the bloody affair. 

The principals were got into position and everything 
seemed in order for the deadly meeting. Of course the 
"seconds'' having the affair in charge, had the guns 
loaded with powder only, though this was unknown to 
their principals. 

The ludicrous feature of the affair culminated as they 
got the two old chaps in position, and were apparently 
almost ready to deliver the command to "fire." when 
Bell, who had already shown many signs of weakenings 
suddenly dropped his gun and running a few steps, 
crawled under a shed. The other old warrior, now ter- 
ribly excited, rushed up to the shed, and having a rear 
view of his crestfallen opponent, he cried out in a burst 
of virtuous indignation, " Come out of there, you villain, 
or ril blow your brains out !'' 

The mortification and disgrace was such that " Old 
Bell " shortly aftervVard left the village. 

THE FIRST TELEPHONE. 

In the winter of 1877-8 Mr. S. F. Henry, a druggist, 
erected the first practical telephone ever used in Nee- 
nah, or in fact, in the count3^ Wires were run from 



42 



168 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 



his store on Wisconsin avenue to his residence on Church 
street, also to the residences of Dr. J. R. Barnett and Dr. 
N. S. Robinson, and by its aid a person could step into 
the store and enquire for either of the doctors. The 
telephone is now a subject of general curiosity, but we 
deem it probable that in the future it will become quite 
a common means of rapid communication between 
offices and manufactories, as well as between offices and 
residences. 

LIST OF PHYSICIANS WHO HAVE RESIDED IN NEENAH. 

The following named gentlemen have been, or are 
now, practicing physicians in this city, and settled here 
about in the order in which their names are mentioned, 
viz: Drs. Yale, Pugsley, Fitch, Ayers. Gralentine, 
Crane, Torrey, Robinson, Moore, Bowen, Ambler, Kirk- 
up, McMenemy, Barnett, Clark, Gil man, Lightfoot, 
Memmler, Wright and Van Vuren. The following are 
known to be dead: Yale, Fitch, Crane, Torrey, Bowen 
and Kirkup. Dr. Yale was a retired clergyman. Dr. 
Fitch was drowned. Dr. Pugsley served in the army 
previous to 1848. Drs. Crane, A3^ers and Robinson 
have been members of the Legislature of tliis State. Drs. 
Crane, Torrey, Robinson, Clark and Barnett were assist- 
ant surgeons in the war of the rebellion. Dr. Crane re- 
moved to (jreen Bay, where he acted in the capacity of 
U. S. Examining Surgeon, and died in that city about 
the year 1875. Dr. Torrey died from disease contracted 
in the service. 

The following are still residing in this city: Galen- 
tine, Robinson, Barnett, Clark, Wright and Van Vuren. 
Drs. Moore, Clark and Memmler are Hora(£opathists. 
All the others, more or less "regular** practitioners. 

Previous to the whites settling here, Dr. Ward, then 



UNCONSIDERED PARAGRAPHS. 1 



of Green Bay, occasionally visited and prescribed for the 
Indians, particularly during a severe epidemic of small 
pox. The Doctor is still living at Wrightstown. 

s. G. 
"the hundred-day men."* 

It would not do to close this chapter without mention 
of those who were known as the " hundred- day men." 
In 1864, at the time Sherman was planning his famous 
'' March to the Sea," it was decided to issue a call for 
men to serve for the term of one hundred days; they to 
do guard and picket dut}", and thus make available for 
Sherman's use the needed number of regular troops. 

Three regiments, we believe, went from Wisconsin in 
response to this call, and one of the companies was re 
cruited at Neenah and Menasha. But very few resi- 
dents of this town, however, were among the number, 
the company being made up largely by recruits from 
the country towns. Of this company, Lum Hart, of 
Menasha, was captain; Gilbert Jackson was first lieu- 
tenant, and T. T. Moulton, of Neenah, second lieuten- 
ant. The company rendezvoued for a few days at Mil- 
waukee, and Irom there accompanied the regiment to 
Memphis, where they were given arduous and protracted 
duties. George B. Goodwin won his title in this regi- 
ment, being its Lieut. Colonel. Lieut. Moulton was 
shortly after promoted to an honorary position on the 
brigade staff, and was not continually with the company. 
They were mustered out at Milwaukee, after being in 
the service about four months. 

*Th is paragraph was prepared for the chapter "Neenah in 
the RebelHon," but was in some wa}' misplaced and overlooked. 



170 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 



TWENTY-FIRST CHAPTER. 



1 



THE RAILROADS. 

^HE Chicago & 5 North western Railway was the 
first railroad communication with Neenah, and 
s^5J8 this road was built from Oshkosh in the winter 
'^&^ of 1860-1, reaching here in January, 1861. The 
first way-bill is dated Jan. 15th, and w^as for one hund- 
red barrels of flour, shipped b}" Mills & Peet. One 
thousand barrels of flour were shipped on this date. 
The depot at that time was out on Winneconne Avenue 
beyond the residence of John Brown, where it remained 
until in 1863, when the track was laid through the city 
and the depot and freight buildings erected on their 
present site on the Island, thus accommodating both 
Neenah and Menasha. Ira W. Hunt has charge of the 
company's business at this station, and it is one of the 
most iraportant*on the line. 

THE SIDE TRACK. 

In the fall of 1875 the Chicago & Northwestern Rail- 
way Company built a side track at the rear of the entire 
line of mills on the' water- power, thus*giving every ad 
vantage of cheap shipping to our manufacturers. 

BUSINESS FOR 1877. 

The following is the year's business for the Chicago 
& Northwestern Railway, at the Neenah station for 1877: 

FREIGHT REC^EIVED. 

Tonnage 4.3,238,557 

Charges $54,800 90 



THE RAILROADS. IT^ 

FREIGHT FORWARDED. 

Tonnage tt7,022,T87 

Charges 75,786 74 

Ticket sales 19,015 53 

Total 1149,603 17 

Loaded cars received 3,046 

'' forwarded. 2,937 

Total 5,983 

THE WISCON^SIN- CENTRAL. 

In the summer of 1872 this road began running trains 
to Stevens Point, the depot being located on the Island 
adjoining that of the C & N. W. R'y. The following 
year, however, the business was removed to the Menasha 
side, the Central Coiupany having come into possession 
of the Milwaukee & Northern, thus giving them a thro' 
line from the west to Milwaukee and Chicago. By 
these two routes Neenah has every advantage offered by 
competing lines, and is exceedingly favorably locatedfor 
shipping advantages. 

IJST OF VILLAGE PRESIDENTS. 

The following is the list of village presidents, from the 
first oue elected in 1.850 down to the time Neenah be- 
came a city and changed her form of government. It 
will be noticed that from 1852 to 1856 there was a break 
in the regular order of the annual elections. It appears 
that the first act of incorporation, and under which 
Smith Moore was two years elected as village president, 
was in some way imperfect, and at the close of his term 
there were no farther elections until the village was in- 
corporated, in due aud legal form. J. B. Hamilton was 
the first president, therefore, after the village was legally 



43 



173 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 

incorporated. Alexander Billstein was the last presi- 
dent, the place becoming a city the following year. 

Smith Moore '. . . /. 1850 

Smith Moore 1851 

J. B. Hamilton 1856 

J. B. Hamilton 1857 

D. K. Pangborn 1858 

D. C. Van Ostrand 1859 

D. C. Van Ostrand 1860 

E. L.Hubbard ... 1861 

Charles A. Leavens 1862 

Charles A. Leavens 1863 

H. P. Leavens 1864 

W P. Peckham 1865 

S. Galentine 1866 

S. Galentine 1867 

J. N. Stone. 1868 

W.P.Peckham 1869 

A. Billstein 1870 

R. Sheills 1871 

A. Billstein 1872 

MAYORS OP THE CITY. 

Edward Smith 1873 

Edward Smith 1874 

Alexander Billstein 1875 

A. H. F. Krueger 1876 

D. L. Kimberly 1877 

THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 

A history of Neenah is not complete without an allu- 
sion to the origin and progress of the public schools of 
the place. The importance of a thing is better meas- 
ured by its results than by any present attribute of the 
thing, per »t. Measured by this standard, the principal 
event in the school history of Neenah is to be looked for 
away back in 1847, when the lirst public school of this 
vicinity opened its doors to the youth of the settlement. 
Miss Caroline Boynton, afterwards Mrs. Samuel Mit- 



PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 173 



chell, being the pioneer teacher. Her school consisted of 
twelve pupils. It was a small beginning, but it shows 
that the school was thought to be a necessity as soon as 
there were children to be taught. That enlightened 
sentiment has predominated until the present time. 
The school of twelve scholars has grown to a system pro- 
viding for twelve hundred. The single teacher, still 
living, sees her task divided among fourteen, and the 
burden of each still a heavy one. Her modest salary of 
six dollars per month has grown to $120. lor the pres- 
ent principal, or to an aggregate monthly salary of over 
S600. The total amount of cost has grown irom less 
than 150 to more than $8,000. Seven comfortable 
school buildings have replaced the single old one, and a 
movement is on foot for the erection of a new High 
School building which shall fully provide for the neces- 
sities of the growing schools. 

The city system is of recent date, having been estab- 
lished in 1875. Mr. T. T. Moulton was the first city 
superintendent, and Messrs. Robert Sheills, Edward 
Smith, Gr. H. Albee and Ephraim Giddings were the 
first Board of Education. The board is at present con- 
stituted as follows: J. R. Barnett, Supt., Robert Shiells, 
G. H. Albee, J. L. Clement, and George Danielson. 
Following is the teacher's roster: 

High School— H. A. Hobart, Principal; Miss M- G. 
Van O'Linda, 1st assistant: Miss Julia Bacon, 2d assist- 
ant. 

Intermediate — Miss Jennie Jaquith, Miss Isa Brown, 
Miss M. I. Huxley, Miss A. M. Jones, Miss May Ager, 
Mrs. T. H. Montgomery. 

Primary— Miss Marion Smith, Miss Delia Meisjs, Miss 



174 THE 'GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 



Mary Mcintosh, Miss Amy Warnes, Miss Maria Bergs- 
trom. 

To this short and imperfect sketch it can only be ad 
ded that the schools confessedly stand among the very 
best in the State. The principals of our High School 
have all enjoyed a reputation more than sectional. Mr. 
W. W. Daggett is now the head of one of the most 
successful business colleges in the Northwest. 

Mr. D E. Gardner, who succeeded him, was equally 
distinguished as an instructor and is at present professor 
of mathematics in the State Normal School at Platte- 
ville. Mr. Hobart, the present principal, ranks among 
the best teachers of the State. 



'^^^' 



--"^jQ «^ffi:&3!?»'3yf>_ 



SOCIETIES. 175 



TWENTY-SECOND CHAPTER. 



SOCIETIES. 



FREE A^XD ACCEPTED MASONS — HISTORY OF THE ORDER 
IN THIS PLACE. 

(^^feHE first lodge of Masons was organized in 1855, 
(Itl R and was made up of members from both Neenah 
j^ffH?..^ and Menasha. As the towns, and consequently 
^<|^!^^ the organizaion, grew in numbers, it was decided 
to separate and locate a lodge in each place, therefore 
we find that in 1857 the lodge was changed in name 
from Menasha Lodge No. 61, to Kane Lodge No. 61, 
the lodge on this side keeping the old number. The 
first election and installation of officers under this 
new dispensation occurred on the 14th day of Janu- 
aiy, 1858. Following are the names of officers: Aaron 
R Cronkhite, W. M; A. Bidwell, S. W; Ira A. Torrey, 
J. W; D. K. Pangborn, Treas; Clitz Perry, Sec; H. 
Wooledge, S. D; and L. H. Brown, J. D. Henry S. 
Baird, Grand Master of the State of Wisconsin was the 
presiding officer on this occasion. 

The lodge for many years met over the store owned 
by Henry Wildfang, afterward for some years over 
Leavens' store, and in 1875 took possession of their 
present hall, in Pettibone Block. The lodge at this 
time numbers sixty-five members. Its present officers 
(1878) are T. T. Moulton, W. M; Alex. Billstein, S. W; 
E. A. Young, J. W; Wm. Kreuger, Treas; Willard 



44 



176 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 

Jones, Sec; E. W. Clark, S. D; H. E. Coats, J. D. 
Their time of meeting is on the first and thn'd Monday 
in each calendar month. 

INDEPEN^DENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS. 

A lodge of this society was first organized in Meenah 
on the evening of the 12th of December, 1849. The 
lodge was instituted by M. W. G. M, H. G. Pasfe, as- 
sisted by D. D. G. M. Bannister acting as Grand Mar- 
shal, and C. E. P. Hobart acting as Grand Secretary. 
The lodge was designated as Neenah Lodge No. 41, and 
elected the following officers: Gorham P. Vining, N. 
G; M. D. McGrath, V. G; Wm. Lygert, R. S; E. G. 
Pussley, Treas. The lodge continued in a flourishing 
condition for several years, but the interest afterward 
waned, and in the fall of 1859, after an existence of ten 
years, it was allowed to go down and tlip charter was 
given np. 

In February, 1870. the lodge was reinstated, since 
which time it has continued in a highly prosperous con- 
dition, having in late years nnited a mutnal insurance 
plan among its beneficiaries, also the branch degree 
known as a Rebekah Lodge. 

Neenah Lodge was reinstated Feb. 24, 1870, M. W. 
G. M, Sam Ryan and D. G. M, M. P. Lindsley ofiiciat- 
ino". The following were the first officers: W. G. 
Rilch, N. G; 0. S. Millard. V. G; 1. W. Hunt, R. S; 
L. C. Sessions, P. S; H. P. Leavens, Treas. The pres- 
ent officers of Neenah Lodge, (1878) are as follows: C. 
B. Kellogg, N. G; A. L. Buell, V. G; John Hull, R. 
S; F. Herscher, Treas; Chris. Keolch. P. S. 

DOTY ISLAND ENCAMPMENT. 

This branch of the organization was instituted Jan. 1, 
1871, by M. W. G. C. P, W. H. Lamphier. The follow- 



SOCIETIES. 177 



irio; were the officers elected: H. P. Leavens, C. P; I. 
W. Hunt, H. P; John W. Williams, S. W; H. E. 
Huxle}', J. W; J E. Qiiartemas, S; John Brown, Treas. 
The following are the present officers of the Encamp- 
ment: J. K Collins, C. P; A. L. Biiell, H. P; A. F. 
Sanford, S. W; A. W. France, J. W; C. B. Kellogg, S; 
J. Jamison, Treas. 

The division known as the Daughters of Rebekah, 
was organized Dec. 5, 1873, under the title of Cherisa 
Lodge, No. 31, and is now in a very flourishing con- 
dition. Its present officers are: Alex. Billstein, N. G; 
Mrs. Wm. Kellett. V. G: Mrs. E. W. Morrison, R. S; 
Mrs. A. Billstein, Treas. 

TEMPER A KCE SOCIETIES. 

Neenah has a large and active membership in temper- 
ance societies. The oldest organization is Crystal Lodge, 
No. 75, I. 0. (j. T. Though a lodge was sustained here at 
an earlier day, it was afterward suspended and the pres- 
ent lodge instituted Jan. 7, 1870. The following were 
the iirst officers: W. W. Daggett, W. C. T; Ellen C. 
Olmstead, W. V. T: R. D. Torrey, W. S; Ida Herrick, 
W. A. S; John Brown, W. F. S; Jennie Jaquith, W. 
T; W. B. M. Torrey, W. M; Mira Davis, W. D. M; 
Isa Brown, W. I. G; J. E. Quartemas, W. O. G; Alice 
S. Gallentine, W. R. H. S; Jennie Cook, W. L. H. S; 
D. E. Gardner, P. W. C. T; Rev. Thomas Walker, W. 
Chaplain. 

The lodge at this time numbers over eighty members. 
It has a neat and well furnished hall, good library, and 
interesting meetings. The present officers are: F. F. 
Kellogg, W. C. tT Mary Mcintosh, W. V. T; D. C. 
Disbrow, W. S; Etta Hayward, W. A. S: Myron Dunn, 
W. F. S; Hattie Teal, W. T; C. S. Briggs,'w. M; Ida 



178 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 



Patterson, W. D. M; Mrs. G. A. Tyler, W. I. G; Wm. 
Millard, W. 0. G; Kittie Bennet, W. R. H. S; Annie 
Van Vuren, W. L. H. S; C. A. Spicer. P. W. C. T; 
Mrs. Coleman, W. Chaplain. 

TEMPLE OF HONOR. 

This is a comparatively new temperance organization, 
and the membership is confined to men only. 

Neenah Temple of Honor, No. 10 was organized on 
January 29, 1875, with the following officers: W. B. 
M. Torrey, W. C. T; XL C. Wheeler, W. V. T; E. T. 
Williams, W. R; J. H. Price, W. A. R; 1. W. Hunt, 
W. F. R; S. T. Coates, W. T; H. E. Huxley, W. U; C. 
F. Kellogg, W. D. U; S. A. Stowe, W. G; C. L. Web- 
ber, W S; F. F. Kellogg, P. W. C. T; Rev. W. .J. 01m- 
stead. Chaplain. 

The present membership is upwards of fifty, and fol- 
lowing are the present officers: D. W. Barnes, W. C 
T; C. B. Kellogg, W. V. T; Charles Bidwell, W. R; R. 
H. Nelson, W. A. R; G. A. Tyler, W. F R; J. J. Hull, 
W. T; C. F. Kellogg, W. U; J. H. Price, W. D. U; S. 
T. Coates, W. G; J. H. Bennett, P. W. C. T; H. E. 
Huxley, Chaplain. 

THE KNIGHTS OF HONOR. 

This is a society of mutual aid, the cardinal feature 
of which is a plan of life insurance by which members 
are secured in the payment of |2,000 to their heirs, in 
event of death. The payments are made in assessments 
which occur about monthly, and var}^ in amount accord- 
ing to the age of the member when joining. This or- 
ganization is, at this time, comparatively new, but gives 
promise of being one of the best and cheapest plans for 
mutual life insurance ever devised. The order is secret 
in its workings, having the usual signs, grips and pass- 



SOCIETIES. 179 



words. The present principal officers are: E. W. 
Clark, D; C. W. Howard, A. D; Hu^h Wilson, Report- 
er; L. J. Dunn, Financial Reporter. 

CORAL WORKERS— JUVENILE TEMPLE, ^0. 43, I. 0. G. T. 

This lodge was organized April 10th, 1875. Present 
membership one hundred and twelve. Following is the 
executive committee for 1878: H. A. Hobart, Mrs. H. 
A. Hobart, Mrs. E. W. Clark, Mrs. F. F. Kellogg. Sup- 
erintendent, H. A. Hobart. Following are the officers 
lor the quarter commencing Feb. 1, and ending May 1: 
Bertie Ford, C. T; Calista Litton, V. T; Lillie Webb, R. 
S; Ella Peckham, A. S; Jessie Shoemaker, F. S; Grace 
Wright, Treas; Willie Servis, M: Jessie Ford, A. M; 
Jessie Stiles, Chaplain; Stella Bailey, S; Eddie Sutton, 
G; Ella Patterson. R. H. S; Mira Wheeler, L. H. S; 
Nellie Sheills, P. C. T. The temple own a library of 
one hundred and twenty volumes. 

PATRONS OF HUSBANDRT. 

The Order of Patrons of Husbandry, commonly known 
as " Grangers," is a secret society devoted to the inter- 
ests of the agricultural classes. It admits to member- 
ship only those engaged in agricultural pursuits. Its 
objects are not only general improvement in husbandr}^ 
but to increase the general happiness, wealth and pros- 
perity of the country. The national organization of the 
Order was established Dec. 4, 1867. It is founded upon 
the axioms that the products of the soil comprise the 
basis of all wealth, that individual happiness depends 
upon general prosperity, and that the wealth of a country 
depends upon the general intelligence and mental cul- 
ture of the producing classes. 

Neenah Grange No. 109, hold weekly meetings on 
Saturday afternoon, at 2 o'clock, in their hall in Hunt's 



45 



180 



THE "GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 



Block, on Wisconsin avenue. They have a very com- 
modious hall, well furnished, with organ and all that 
is necessary to make their meetings attractive and pleas- 
ant. 

Neenah Grange, No. 109, Patrons of Husbandry, was 
organized on the 28th day of March, 1873, with thirty 
charter members, the full number allowed at that time 
by the rules of the Order. The names of the charter 
members are as follows: H E. Huxley, James P. 
Loomas, James Slover. George Allanson, William T. 
Merriman, J. C. Enos, Samuel Neft, S. M. Miller, Geo. 
W. Baird, L. E. Neff, F. E. Wendorf, Granville Mansur, 
B. F. Rogers, John A. Baird, Thomas J. Baird, P. Ver- 
beck, Albert Huxley, Mrs H. E. Huxley, Mrs. J P. 
Loomas, Mrs. James Slover, Mrs. George Allanson, Mrs. 
William T. Merriman, Mrs. J. C. Enos, Mrs. Samuel 
Neff, Mrs. S. M. Miller, Mrs. Albert Huxley, Mrs. P. 
Verbeck, Miss Ida Huxley. Miss Emily Neff, Miss Eliza- 
beth Baird. 

The following were the officers elected for the first 
term, or the balance of the year 1873: H. E. Huxley, 
Master; J. P. Loomas, Overseer; James Slover, Lecturer; 
George Allanson, Steward; William T. Merriman, Ass't 
Steward; J. C. Enos, Chaplain; Samuel Neff, Treasurer; 
S. M.Miller, Secretary; George W. Baird, Gate keeper; 
Mrs. H. E. Huxley, Ceres; Mrs. W. T. Merriman, Po- 
mona; Mrs. P. Verbeck, Flora; Miss Ida Huxley, Lady 
Ass't Steward. 

THE SCHUTZEN BUND. 

This organization is confined to the Gi'rman portion 
of our community, and has probably the largest mem- 
bership of any like society in the place. It is, properly 
speaking, a shooting society, and they own a neat shoot- 



SOCIETIES. 181 



ing park on the lake shore. They also built and own 
the Schuetzen Hall, a very large building, the lower 
story used by the society, and the upper portion being 
a fine audience room with ample stage and appurten- 
ances. The society was organized in 1870. The first 
officers were: Prof. Henry Hoffman. President; Albert 
Eisenach, Vice President; Fred Kreuger, Sec; Louis 
Felser, Treas. The present membership is about one 
hundred, and the present officers are: A. H. F. Kreu- 
ger, President; Charles Binger, Vice President; William 
Arneman, Sec; John Pingle, Treas. 



---•^^^ ^jffiiia£i^5^>^ 



182 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 



TWENTY-THIRB CHAPTER. 



NEENAH AS A SUMMER RESORT AND WATERING 
PLACE. 




HIS city possesses a rare combination of natural 
^ features for a delightful summer resort and wat- 
place. The climate is not surpassed in 
•^ healthfulness; the invigorating breezes from the 
lake temper the heats of summer, while the adjacent 
large bodies of water, to a great extent, have the effect 
of preventing those sudden extreme changes of tempera- 
ture to which nearly all western localities are much sub- 
jected. The scenery is lovely, the lake the most mag- 
nificent sheet of water, with beautiful shores and good j 
harbors that are accessible in ever}' direction, thus af- 
fording the best of yachting facilities. The surround- 
ing country is beautiful, with excellent roads, affording 
delightful drives and picturesque views of the lake and 
river scenery. Wild game is quite abundant in the 
vicinity, and is composed of blue and sfreen winged teal^ 
mallard and wood duck, snipe, wood-cock, quail, squir- 
rel, partridge, and prairie chicken. The waters abound 
in black and white bass, pike, pickerel, sturgeon and 
other fish; therefore, steamboat excursions, pic nics, 
yachting, fishing, shooting and pleasure drives are 
among the readily available recreations of the place. 
This secures immunity from that monotonous routine 
of tame and insipid pleasures which prevail in so many 
celebrated watering places; for the range of exciting and 



NEEN AH AS A SUMMER RESORT. 183 



attractive out door enjoyments is here so extensive and 
varied that the tastes of all can be gratified; combining 
the gaieties, public amusements and social enjoyments 
of city life, with the most delightful rural pleasures. 

The market is well supplied with wild game, and with 
the choicest fruits and vegetables of northern latitudes, 
fresh from the gardens and orchards of the vicinity, 
which are very different to the stale products shipped 
from long distances. Apples, plums and small fruits 
are abundant in their season. The market is also kept 
as well supplied as those of the larger cities, with foreign 
fruits and delicacies. 

The Russell House, (see ad.) one of the largest and 
best kept hotels in Northern Wisconsin, is so situated 
as to make it a pleasant stopping place for a few weeks 
of summer, as it is easily reached from Chicago or Mil- 
waukee, and during the fishing season makes ample pro- 
vision for the wants of guests in boats, fishing-tackle, 
etc. 

Roberts' Summer Resort, (see ad.) is already well 
known among those who would pass a portion of the 
hot, dusty summer in a pleasant Wisconsin resort. The 
location of the house is very fine, with ample grounds, 
and we predict that within five years the hotel will be 
surrounded by fine cottages for the use of transient 
guests, and no spot in Wisconsin will be more generally 
sought after than this. 



46 



184 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 



TWENTY- FOURTH CHAPTER. 



THE MANUFACTURING INTERESTS OF NEENAH- 
ILLUSTRATED. 




^^ilUliflE HY(' ])]ease(] to be enabled to give herewith 
illustrations of the leading mills and mannfac- 
Hj? tories whicli largely make up the business of 
^'Sfi^^- * Neenah, and through whose products our city 
is known far and wide. These engravings and descrii)- 
tions will be of interest at the present time, but doubly 
so when the changes of twenty years shall have been 
made, and in years to come this volume, with its illus- 
trations, descriptions and record of the present day, will 
be highly prized b}' its owner. 

With the engraving of each establishment may be 
found a short sketch, giving history of each, time ot 
building, various owners, etc. 



^^^enaiTmillsT 



185 



THE NEENAH FLOURIl^G MILLS. 

This mill has the honor of being the oldest flour mill in 
Neenah, and the first one built through individual enter- 
prise. The Neenah Mills were built in 1850-1 by John 
R. and Harvey L. Kimberly. The timber used for the 
frame was live oak, and cut near what is now called the 
" Coup/' by one Billy McMillan, and was ootten out for 




NEENAH MILL^, EKh:CTE]) IN 1S50-]. 
parties in Milwaukee, who intended using it for a mill 
frame at some point on the stream, but oiving u]) the 
enterprise, it was left on McMillan's hands, an"d after- 
wards purchased by the Kimberly's and hauled on the 
ice to this place. 

Mr. H. A. Burtz, now residing in Menasha, was the 
millwright. The machinery was taken from a mill in 
Rensselear ccmnty, N. Y., and shipped by water to Green 
Bay, and from there up the river to its destination. Of 
course there were no steamboats on the river in those 



186 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 



days, and the bara:es and Durham boats were poled and 
towed by hand up the river, oft times being obliged to 
unload the heavier portions of the load and carry or roll 
them around the many rapids. 

The mill was ovvned and run by Messrs. J. & H. Kim- 
berly for about lifteen years, when the partnership was 
dissolved, H. L. Kimberly retaining the property. The 
mill was subsequently rented and run by Oborn & Stev- 
ens, and again by Kimberly, Kurtz & Co., and afterward 
for several years by Mr. H. L Kimberly, until passing 
into the hands of his son, D. L. Kimberly, by whom it 
has been since conducted. The mill was thoroughly 
overhauled and rebuilt in 1876. Following is the list of 
millers: Ed. C Olx^rn, head miller; Henry Disbrow, 
Ned Williams, .Jens Sorenson, G. H. Burdick. 

WINNEBAGO FLOURING MILLS. 

This mill was built in 1852-3 by Edward Smith, Hugh 
Sherry and Hiram Wheeler. It is a very large framed 
mill, the timber in the same being extremely large and 
heavy. This timber was cut and squared on the head 
waters of the Wolf river, from the very choicest trees 
that the then almost virgin pine forests afforded. It 
was then floated down the river to Oshkosh, and towed 
through the lake from there here. Wheeler was a mill- 
wright, and planned the building, and Sherry, being 
a miller, was to take charge of the mill when finished. 
This partnership was of short duration, Edward Smith 
soon after purchasing the interests of both his partners. 
He run the mill alone until February of 1857, when 
John Proctor purchased a half interest, and the ownership 
of the property has not since changed hands. Thus it 
will be seen that the firm of Smith & Proctor is at this 
time the oldest milling firm in the city, having under- 



WINNEBAGO MILLS. 



187 



gone no material change during twenty-one years. 
In the early days all tlie flour was sold on the line of 
the Fox and Wisconsin River Improvement, and at 
Green Bay. After the completion of the Improvement 
shipments were made during the summer by this route, 
but during the winter months many teams were kept 
employed hauling flour and feed. 

This mill was the first one in Neenah to make what 
is now called " purified flour," having begun its manu- 
facture in 1872. The mill was thoroughly overhauled 
and improved in 1877, and is now furnished with all 




WINXEBAGO .\nLLS, KRECTl]!) IX 1852-:]. 

modern improvements. Following is the list of millers: 
Thomas Cooke, head miller; S. H. Conklin, Sumner 
Cooke and J. M. Thompson. 



47 



188 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 



THE NEEN'AH PAPER MILL — THE FIRST PAPER MILL 
BUILT IN NEE]S"AH. 

The Neenah Paper Mill was built in 1865-6, and 
was the first paper mill built on the Neenah water-power. 
It was erected on the site of an old saw-mill built b}^ 
Harvey Jones at a very early da}', an account of which 
is given elsewhere in this volume. 

This enterprise was entered into by a stock company 
composed of the following persons: Hiram Smith. 
Nathan Cobb, Dr. N. S. Robinson, Edward Smith, John 
Jamison and Moses Hooper. 

The company was organized with tlie following offi- 
cers: President, Mathan Cobb; Secretary and Treasurer, 
Hiram Smith. 

After the mill \^as completed it was rented of the 
company by Dr. N. S. Robinson, and run for one year 
by him very successfully. The second year it was de- 
cided by the company to run the mill in the joint inter^ 
est of the stockholders, and Dr. Robinson was engaged 
to superintend the business. The third year the mill was 
rented by Hiram Smith, who, with his brother Edward 
Smith, entered upon the management of the business. 
Before the expiration of the year, however, Mr. D. C. Van 
Ostrand purchased the interest of E. Smith, and the firm 
became Smith & Van Ostrand. This firm afterward 
purchased the balance of the stock and continued to 
operate the mill very successfully and profitably, until 
its sale in 1874, to Messrs. Kimberly, Clark & Co. This 
firm have since been, and are now, its owners, and by 
whom it continues to be conducted very successfully. 

The mill is now familiarly known as the " Old Mill," 
though its products compare favorably with that of any 
of its newer and more pretentious rivals. 



NEENAH PAPER MILLS. 



189 




190 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 



patten's paper mill. 

This mill was built in 1874 by Hon. A. W. Patten, 
and is one of the best built and finest appearing mills 
on the water-power. The main building is 150 feet in 
length by 40 feet in breadth, with brick engine room 
and boiler house. This mill was built partially on the 
site of the old Empire Flour Mill, the latter being torn 
down to make room for the present structure. Patten's 
Paper Mill differs from the others, from the fact that 
the stock commonly used is old paper stock only. Print, 
book and manilla papers are made. The capacity of the 
mill is in the neighborhood of three tons every twenty- 
four hours. 

This mill is supplied with the famous Fourdenier ma- 
chine, one of the most approved French inventions for 
perfecting paper making. This machine was put in, 
with other improvements, in 1877. 

A. W. Patten is sole owner, and Mr. James F. G lea- 
son, formerly a Massachusetts paper maker, is superin- 
tendent of the establishment. The engraving, which is 
made from a photograph by C. B. Manville, gives a very 
good idea of the structure. 



PATTEN'S PAPER MILL. 



191 




I !"■;!■'>;'■'' 'I ^'i' 



48 



193 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 



THE WINNEBAGO PAPER MILL. 

This mill stands on the site of the " old Government 
mill," built by the United States Government in 1836, 
for the Indians. The mill was destroyed by fire in Feb- 
ruary, 1874, and the present structure was erected on its 
site in the same year. 

The Winnebago Mill was built and furnished by a 
joint stock compam^ made up of the following persons: 
John R. Davis, sr., John R. Ford, H. Shoemaker, C H, 
Servis, C. Newman, Mrs. E. A. Servis, and S. M. Brown. 
John R. Davis, sr., was named president; J. R. Ford, 
secretary: and H. Shoemaker, treasurer 

In 1876 George A. Whiting purchased certain shares 
of stock, and thereafter acted as secretary for the com- 
pany, and at the present time has the general manage- 
ment of the mill. This mill manufactures book and 
print paper only, and its products have an enviable rep- 
utation. The leaves of this book are a sample of the 
tinted book paper made at this mill. 

The dimensions of the mill are as follows: Main 
building, 40x70 feet, two stories and basement; machine 
room, 80x90, one story and basement; boiler room, 16x 
22, all built of solid brick and stone masonry. 



WINNEBAGO PAPER MILLS. 



193 




194 



THE "GAZETTE" BOOK, FOR 1877-8. 



THE ISLAND CITY MILL. 

This mill was built in 1867 by Carl Striddie and A. H. 
F. Krueger, and is a first class flouring mill in every 
respect. From the first it has always enjoyed a good 
run of custom and retail trade, and has proved a profit- 
able investment to the owners. Carl Striddie dying in 
1877, the property is now owned by his widow, Mrs. 
Charlotte Striddie, and A. H. F. Kruetrer. Mr. Krueger 
rents the mill, however, and conducts the business en- 
tirely himself. 




ISLAND CITY MILL, ERECTED IX 1867. 

Mr. Krueger came to this state in 1851, and set- 
tled on a farm in the town of Clayton, where he re- 
mained for several years, moving to the city in 1867. 

The construction of this mill was supervised by .John 
Jamison; is built of stone, 31x60 feet, tour stories high. 
The following are millers: H. Malisch, head miller; 0. 
Winter and H. C. Krueger. 



GLOBE PAPER MILLS. 



195 



O 

g 







•i|rSii|:;ii! .1 



49 



196 THE ''GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 



GLOBE PAPER MILL— KIMBERLY, CLARK & CO. 

This mill was bnilt in 1872 by its present owners, 
Messrs. Kiniberly, Clark & Co.. and stands on the site 
of one of the early day flouring mills, i. ^.. the Fox 
River Mill, bnilt by Hn.di Sherry in 1856. In 1876 the 
owners of the Globe Paper Mill purchased the Peckham 
& Krueger foundry property, and removing the build- 
ings, erected a large addition to the Griobe. This is now 
the largest paper mill in the city, having a frontage of 
210 feet, b3'88 feet deej). This mill manutactures print 
paper only, and its products have at all titnes taken first 
rank in tue markets. The Globe mill is also provided 
with the Fonrdrenier machine and every modern appli- 
ance for first class paper making. M. H. P. Htiynes, a 
paper maker of many years' experience — having grown 
gray in the service —is the superintendent of this mill, 
also the ''Neenah Mill,'^ which is owned and operated 
by the same company. [See page 189] 

The firm of Messrs. Kimberly, Clark & Co., is coin- 
posed of the following persons: J. A. Kimberly, C B. 
Clark, H. Babcock, and F. C. Shattuck. 

This firm, in addition to the ownership of the Globe 
and Neenah Mills, in this city, is also heavily interested 
in extensive pulp and paper mills at Appleton, five miles 
distant. 



RELIANCE MILLS. 



197 



THE RELIANCE MILL— J. A. KIMBERLY & CO. 

This is a stone structure,, erected in 1868 by J. R. 
Kimberly & Co., the firm beini>- John R. Kimberly, fa- 
miliarly known as " Uncle John," J. A. Kimberly, and 
H. Babcock. The mill was run by this firm for nearly 
ten years. John R. Kimberly disposed of his interest 




RELIANCE MILL^, EREXTED IN 1808. 

in April, 1877, and the firm l)ecame J A. Kimberl}'- & 
Co. The mill was built by H. S. Burts, millwrio-ht, and 
is 40x75 feet. The mill now has six run of stone and 
three crushers, and is otherwise provided with all modern 
improvements for the mannfacture of fiour. The mil- 
lers are: James Martin, head miller; C. Kurtz, E. Evens, 
and Will Kurtz. 



198 THE 'GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 



FALCON" FLOURING MILLS —CLEMENT & STEVENS. 

This is a double mill, formerly owned and occupied by 
different parties, but now under one management and as 
one mill. It is now familiarly known as " the brick and 
stone mill.'' 

The brick mill was erected in 1856-7 by J. Mills, 
When nearly completed E. W. Peet purchased an in- 
terest and the mill was first ran by the firm of Mills & 
Peet, they continuing in business about four years. 

In 1861 Burdick & Clement leased the mill and run it 
for one year. Then followed Clement & Sherry, who run 
it about two years. In the sprino- of 1864, Clement & 
Stevens, the present owners, first took possession, first 
leasing, and afterward purchasing. 

The stone mill was begun about the same time, though 
it was not finished and running as quickly as the brick. 
This mill was built by James Smith and S. H. Lisk, 
It has undergone many changes, and had a great many 
owners. It was first rented and run by Lisk & Patten, 
then followed Oborn & Stevens; next Lisk & Porter; 
then L. C. Porter; then Porter & Olmstead; then 0. L. 
& L. Olmstead, and in 1873 was purchased by its present 
occupants, Messrs. Clement & Stevens. 

These two mills combined make the Falcon Mills, the 
most extensive milling concern in the city. They now 
have eight run of stone, besides crushers,, etc. .John 
Stevens, the junior member of the firm, is a practical 
miller, and takes charge of the mills personally. Fol- 
lowing are the millers: James Jones, W. T. Patterson, 
and W. W. Patterson. 



FALCON FLOURING MILLS. 



199 



Great improvements were made in the '* brick and 
stone mills" in 1877, the rear walls of the stone mill be- 
ing torn down and rebuilt, and many changes and alter- 
ations made inside both mills. This mill for several 
years alone enjoyed the advantages of having a railroad 




FAL(XJN FLOI'RING MILLS. 

side track to its doors, Messrs. Clement & Stevens hav- 
ing secured for their own use the building ol a branch 
track from the main line of the Cliicago & Northwestern 
railroad about six years before the building of the main 
side track now used by all the mills. 



50 



200 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 



THE NEENAH STOVE AND PLOW WORKS. 
BERGSTROM BROS., PROPRIETORS. 

This institution was established as a common foundry 
in 1857 by W. N. & A. K. Moore, andB. W. Wells, un- 
der the firm name of Moore & Wells. After continuing 
for several years Mr. Wells' interest was purchased by 
the Moore Bros., and the firm became W. N. & A. K. 
Moore. The foundry was enlarged and the business 
greatly extended by this firm, they remaining together 
in business until 1870, when W. N. Moore disposed of 
his interest to his brother, and the business was carried 
on by A K. Moore until his death in January, 1873. 

The concern then passed into the hands of Messrs. 
Smith, Van Ostrand & Leavens, Mr. H. P. Leavens tak- 
ing the management of the business, which was con- 
tinued by the above firm until January, 1878, when the 
property was sold to Geo. 0. & D. W. Bergstrom, who, 
under the firm name of Bergstrom Bros., now conduct 
the business. This is one of the most important of our 
manufacturing industries, providing labor as it does, for 
a large number of skilled workmen. 

The leading products of the establishment are stoves 
and hollow ware, in all their varied branches. 

The manufacture of plows of all kinds, more especially 
several varieties of fine steel plows, also form one distinct 
branch of the business, this line of trade having former- 
ly been conducted by Mr. George 0. Bergstrom as the 
Neenah Plow Works, it being consolidated with the 
stove foundry after the latter's purchase by the Berg- 
strom Bros. 



NEENAH STOVE AND PLOW WORKS. 20 1 



hj •-H 




202 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 



C. <& N-W LINES. 

THE CHICAGO & NORTHWESTERN R'Y 

Embraces under one niana2:ement the Great Trunk Railway Lines of the 
WEST and NORTHWEST, and, with its numerous branches and connec- 
tion-., forms the shortesi and quiclcest route between Cnicago and all 
points in Illinois, Wisconsin, Northern Michigan. Minnesota, Iowa. Nebraska, 
California and the Western Territories. Its 

OMAHA AND CALIFORNIA LINE 

Is the shortest and b^st route between Chicago and all points in Northern 
Illinois Iowa, Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Nevada. Cali- 
fornia, Oregon, China, Japan and Australia. Its 

CHICAGO, ST. PAUL AND MINNEAPOLIS LINE 

Is the short line between Chicago and all points in Northern Wisconsin and 
Minnesota, and for Madison, St. Paul. Minneapolis, Duluth, and all points 
in the Great Northwest. Its 

LA CROSSE, WINONA AND ST. PETER LINE 

Is the best route between Chicago and La Crosse, Winona. Rochester, Owa- 
tonna, Mankato. St. Peter, New Ulm, and a'l points in Southern and Central 
Minnesota. Its 

GREEN BAY AND MARQUETTE LINE 

Is the only line between Chicago and Janesville, Warerlown, Fond du Lac. 
Oshkosh, Appleton, Green Bay, Escanaba. Negannee, .Marquette, floughton. 
Hancock and the Lake Superior country. Its 

FREEPORT AND DUBUQUE LINE 

Is the only route between Chicago and Elgin, rtockford, Freeport. and all 
points via Freeport. Its 

CHICAGO AND MILAVAUKEE LINE 

Is the ok Lake Shore Route, and is the only one passing between Chicaso 
and Evanston, Lake Forest. Highlawd Park. Waukegan. Racine, Kenosha 
and Milwaukee. 

PLTLLMAN HOTEL CARS are run on this road alone west of Chicago. 

This is the ONLY LINE running Pullman Sleeping cars between Chicago 
and St. Paul and Minneapolis, Chica"oand Milwaukee, Chicago and Winona, 
or Chicago and Green Bay. 

Close connections are made at Chicago wim the Lase Shore & Michigan 
Southern. Michigan Central, Baltimore &, Ohio. Pittsburg, Fi. Wayne & Chi 
cago. Kankakee Line and Pan Handle Routes, for all points EAST and 
SOUTHEAST, and with the Chicago & Alton and Illinois Central for all 
points SOUTH. 

Close connections are also made with the Union Pacific railroad at Omaha 
for all far West points. Close connections made at junction points with 
trains of all cross points. Tickets over this route are sold by all Coupon 
Ticket Agents in the United States and Canadas. 

Remembor, you ask for your tickets via the Chicago and Northwestern 
Railway and take none other. 

New York office. No. 415 Broadway; Boston office. No. 5 State street; 
Omaha office, No. 245 Farnham streeet; San Francisco office. No. 2 New 
Montgomery street; Chicago ticket offices. No. 62 Clark street, under Sher- 
man House; 75 Canal street, corner Madison street; Kinzie street depot, cor 
ner W. Kinzie and Canal streets; Wells street depot, corner Wells and Kinzie 
streets. For rates or information not attainable of your home ticket agents 
apply to MARVIN H- HUGHITT, ^en. Manager. Chicago. 

"W- H- STENNETTi Gen. Passenger Agent, Chicago. 



RUSSELL HOUSE. 



203 



THE RUSSELL HOUSE- 
The Russell House was built in 1875 bv its present 
owner. It is one of the hiro^est hotels in Northern Wis- 
consin, and has a good reputation with the travelling 
public. There is an interesting item of history in con- 
nection with this hotel, the city having voted the sum 
of lour thousand dollars to aid in its erection, it being 
deemed a public benefit to have such a hotel built. The 
house stands on the site of the old Weeden Hotel, erect- 
ed about 1854. 




The Russell House, in addition to its regular hotel 
business, during the summer season entertains many 
guests who come here to spend a few days or weeks in 
fishing and other recreations offered in this vicinity. 
This place is less than four hours' ride from Milwaukee, 
and seven from Chicago, which makes it quick and easy 
of access for residents of those cities. The hotel has two 
large sample rooms on the first floor, a large and hand- 
somely decorated office, is provided with an elevator, 
and is in all respects first class Terms, $2.00 per day. 
JOHN B. RUSSELL, Prop.^ 



51 



204 



THE "GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 



liscoiisiD Central Eailroai 



TITE 



Lake Superior, Milwaukee & Chicago Line 



ind PLEASURE SEEK- 



The popular route for SPORTSMEN 
ERS from 

CHTCAOO AiSTD MIL\\^^A.UK:EE. 

AmoiiL^ the points of interest on this line or reached bv its connections arc 
CEDARBTRG. PLYMOUTH. ELKII A liT LAKE, SHEHOYixAN FALLS, 
SHEBOYCtAN. fond DV LAt\ 4REEN LAKE. NEr^N A II and MENASHA, 
DEPERE. GREEN BAY", STEVENS POINT. COLBY', DORCHESTER. 
WESTBORO. the BUTTERNUT and FLAMBEAU LAKES, ASHLAND, and 
BAYFIELD, Lake Superior. Diiriuii the season o! navisiation. steamers ntn 
reojularv from ASHLA.VD to DUIiUTH, connecting there with 

NORTPIERiSr PACIFIC R'Y 

For Bismarck and Fort (Tarry . Steamers also to Prince Arthur's Landing 
or Fort William, on Thunder Bay. Isic Royaie. Silver Island. Ontonagon, 
Eagle River and Harl)or. Houghlon and Hancock. 

The best sporting in the State Cor HUNTER'S OR ANGLERS is to be 
found in the forests traversed by this road. Mnskalonge, bass, pickerel, 
brook and lake trout, ducks, prairie chickens, ruffled groiise, deer and bear 
are plenty at difterent points. 

t:#^Tickets for sale at all principal Ticket Offices in the l^nued States and 
Canada. In CHICA(iO. at West Side I'nion Depot, corn; r of Madison and 
Canal sts.. and at 68 Clark street. In MILWAUKEE. 400 East Water street, 
corner Wisconsin street, and at L'NION DEPOT. K'eed -freet, where trains 
arrive and depart. 

OOITITSOTIOITS : 



AT CHICAGO-Iii I'liion Depoi o( C. M. & S(. P. I{ y. Msdison and 
Canal Sts.. with Chicago »fe Aliou and Pittsburg. Fi. Wayne & Chicago 
Railways. 

AT MILWAUKEE- With Chicago. Milwa'ik.-e ,t St. Paul and West. 
em ITnioh Railwaxs. in Union Depot. Keed stre.'t, and Detroit & Milwau- 
kee Rail load steamers. 

AT PLYMOUTH-With Sheboygan A" Fond dn Lac Railway, for 
Sheboygan and Fond du Lac. 

AT FOREST JUNCTION- With Milwaukee. L.>ike Shore & West- 
ern Railway. 

AT GREEN BAY-With (Jiver Bay & Minne-sot'i Railway, for New 
London, and Chicago & Northwestern Railway for points North. 

AT AMHERST JUNCTION -\^'ith (ireen Bav & Minnesota Rail- 
way, for Grand Rapids and jjoints West. 

AT JUNCTION CITY-With Wisconsin V.iUey R'y for Wausau. 
AT PORTAGE- With Chicago, Milwaukee* St. Paul Railway, for 
Madison and the W^est. 

AT ASHLAND— With steamers for Duluth. Ontonagon, Prince Ar- 
thur's, aid for all points on Lake Superior. 



ROBERTS^ HOUSE. 



205 



ROBERTS' SUMMER RESORT. 

This summer hotel is most beautifully located on 
Doty's Island, and near the old log- homestead of Gov. 
Doty, which is still in existence, and one of the attrac- 
tions of the place. [See page 43-] 

The Roberts' House is located on the bank of the Fox 
river, as this broad stream emerges from Lake Winne- 
bago, which brings the latter directly in view of the 
house. The grounds and drive-ways extend to the lake 
and river both above and behjw the hotel, and the view 
from the windows ami verandahs is exquisitely beautiful. 




The hotel is nearly midway between the cities of Neenah 
and Menasha, and in the neiglilK)rhood of one mile from 
the business streets of each. This hotel, although (>nly 
opened to the publ'c in 1877, already enjoys a generous 
patronage, the visitors coming largely trom the southern 
States. The best fishing grounds in the vicinity are 
directly opposite the house, and boats are kept in lull 
supply for the use of guests. Terms are reasonable. 
Send for descriptive circular and references to 

JOHN ROBERTS, Neenah, Wis. 



206 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 



loaltli, ConM^aad Safeij. 

WHERE TO SPEND YOUR SUMMER. 



VISIT THE 



UEE SUFEEIOE C0II1IIE7 

By the MA(iNIFICENT sreaniers ol the 

Lake Superior People's Line, 

RUNNIN(i FHO.M 

CHZCACO and MZZ.WiiirZISB 

DULUTH, 

Touchiug at ALL important or imerestine LAKE SUPERIOR PORTS, in- 

( hiding 



Tables are suuplied with all the delicacies of the season. Beds supplied with 
best spring bottoms and No. 1 hair raattrasses. The strictest 
attention paid to cleanliness all throughout. 
The trip returninir by the 

North Shore of Lake Superior 

Is one of the FINEST that can be selected. Consult E<'OSOMYand COM- 
FORT by taking this route. 
For circulars, time tables, passage rates, etc.. address 

LTEi:ojpoL.r> *& ATji!$Ti^iA.r^, 

Chicago or Milwaukee. 



CITY DIRECTORY. 207 



CITY DIRECTORY. 

Name of Every Citizen Over 21 Years 
of Age. 



^^ ^T is not tile object of this book to otFer a complete 
.^ directory in the ofeneral acceptance of the term, 
_^ J which would, of course, include the name, resi- 
^i^y^ dence and business of all persons, both male and 
female in the city; but to give at this time as a matter 
of permanent record, the name of every man now a resi- 
dent of Neenah, which, as a matter of future reference, 
will be of especial value. The ward and street is giveti, 
so that each person may be readily located. 

FIRST WARD. 

Asel. Greorge, Franklin ave. 
Augustine, John 
Anderson, Jacob, Franklin ave. 
Aplin, N J, Franklin ave. 

SECOND WARD. 

Abendshein, Philip, Caroline st. 

Alden, N, Winneconne ave. 

Alden, ^, jr, Winneconne ave. 

Amonson, John, Wisconsin ave. 

Anson, L. 

Anderson, Andrew, Wisconsin ave. 

Anderson, Sern 

Anuson, Michael, Wisconsin ave. 



SS 



208 THE "GAZET TE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 

Anderson, Nels, Caroline st. 

Arneson, Erick, Winneconne ave. 

Arndt, Auo^ust. 

Arndt, William. 

Arnemann, William, Isabelle st. 

Asmns, William, Washington st. 

As berry. E J. 

THIRD WARD. 

Aseth, Ole 0, Third st. 
Albe, G H, cor First st and Avenue. 
Anderson, Jacob, Third st. 
Angell, Maihias, First st. 
Anderson, Louis, Third st. 
Anderson, Neils, Avenue. 
Anderson. Jens, Avenue. 
Applefellow, Herman, Second st. 
Austin, Wm, Third st. 
Austin, James. 

FOURTH WARD. 

Abitz, Henry, Union st. 
Arndt, August, Main street. 
Aylward,, William, Main st. 

FIRST WARD. 

Babcock, William. 
Billstein, Alex, Doty ave. 
BrinkerhofF, Charles, Columbian ave. 
Bradley, A L. Cedar st. 
Bahner, Phelix. Columbian ave. 
Barr, William, Franklin ave. 
Beiscenstein, Charles, West Park st. 
Beiscenstein, Joseph, Franklin ave. 
Beiscenstein, Leopold, West Park st. 
Bender, Emile, Oak st. 
Bennett, J H, Franklin ave. 
Bidwell, Charles, Elm st. 
Bouch, Charles, Division st. 
Bonner, Gustave, Wisconsin ave. 
Brass, Louis, Doty ave. 
Breaker, Charles, Avenue. 



CITY DIRECTORY. 209 



Brown, Adam, Wisconsin ave. 
Brown, George, Oak st. 
Brown, Theodore, Wisconsin ave. 
Burk, James, Lagrange ave. 
Burhans, Frank, Wisconsin ave. 

SECOND WARD. 

Babcock, Havilah, Cedar st. 
Baby, Henry, Wisconsin ave. 
Bailey, Edwin, Isabella st. 
Barnett, J R, Church st. 
Bartelson. Nelse, Second ave. 
Benorkson, C P, Caroline st. 
Bentley, C D, Smith st. 
Bergstrom, George, Cohimbian ave. 
Bergstrom, Charles, Cedar st. 
Bergstrom, D W, Caroline st. 
Bichel, John. 
Blank, Fred, Monroe st. 
Bredlow. August. 
Brown, John F, Sherry st. 
Bronson, Ole, Caroline st. 
Brown, John, J7% Winneconne ave. 
Brown, Alexander, Winneconne ave. 
Bronson, Anion, Caroline st. 
Brown, John, sr, Winneconne ave. 
Brunson, Knute, Washington st. 
Buenger, Charles, r^aroline st. 
Burke, Jacob. 
Burhans, John, Doty ave. 
Bnrch, C N, Wisconsin ave. 

THIRD WARD. 

Babcock, Wheeler, Sago st. 
Baker, .John, sr. First st. 
Barnes, D W, First st. 
Barnes, .Joseph I, North Water st. 
Bart, .Joseph, jr. Fourth st. 
Bart, Joseph, sr, Fourth st. 
Barnett, M S, Forrest ave. 
Barcknow, William, Fourth st. 
Barcknow, Fred, Fourth st. 



210 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 

Bashaw, Andrew, Commercial ave. 

Bashford, Henry, cor Clark and Fourth st. 

Bashford, Alvinus, cor Clark and Fourth st. 

Bashford, Judson, Forrest ave. 

Beard, Horace, Forrest ave 

Bealey, William, cor Commercial ave and First st. 

Bell, John, Fifth st. 

Bennett, W E, cor Third and Clark sts. 

Bergstrom, Lars, Sago st. 

Bergstrom, William. Sago st. 

Bergstrom. Joseph, Third st. 

Bishop, Thomas, Clark st. 

Bishop, Arthur, Clark st. 

Boardman, John, Third st. 

Bowen, W H. 

Brannon, James, Fourth st. 

Brien, Henry, Fourth st. 

Briggs, A C", North Water st. 

BrinkerhofF, Jacob, Forrest ave. 

Brown, James W, North Water st. 

Brown, Henr}^ High st. 

Brown. Havila, Commercial ave. 

Brummond, Herman, Fourth st. 

Bryan, John A, Commercial ave. 

Bryan, C A, Commercial ave. 

Buckley, Joseph, North Water st. 

Butler, E T, Fourth st. 

Butterfield, L J, Third st. 

FOURTH WABD. 

Bailey, Jerome, Main st. 
Baumgarten, Peter, sr, unplatted. 
Baumgarten, Peter, jr, unplatted. 
Boreson, Evan, Sherry st. 
Boreson, Mathias, Washington ave. 
Boreson, Ole, Sherry st. 
Breitwisch, William, Union st. 
Brunnhafer, Arnold, Caroline st. 



CITY DIRECTORY. 211 



FIRST WARD. 

Centimore, Joseph, Whitenack road. 
Chapiii, J E, Washington ave. 
Christianson, Hans, Columbian ave. 
Christenst»n, John, Lagrange ave. 
Christianson, Hans, Franklin ave. 
Clark, C B, Wisconsin ave. 
Cianson, Harold, W^isconsin ave. 
Cox, John, Plum st. 
Cooke, W D, Wisconsin ave. 
Coats, S T, Olive St. 
Coats, H E, Columbian ave. 

Cotton, Charles, bds Russell Hou.se, Wisconsin ave. 
Cook, Martin, Cedar st. 
Cooke, Thomas, Wisconsin ave. 
Cooke, H S, Wisconsin ave. 
Cooke, C R, Wisconsin ave. 

SECOND WARD. 

Callahan, T E, Doty ave. 
(vavanaugh, Thomas, Wisconsin ave. 
Christian, Lars, Caroline st. 
Christianson, George, Main st. 
Christianson, Godfrey, Main st. 
Clauson, Charles. Wisconsin ave. 
Clark. E W, Cedar st. 
Clement, J L, Church st. 
Conlan, James. Cedar st. 
Conklin, Sidney H, Columbian ave. 
(yollins, George A. 
Cross, A E, Cedar st. 
Cross, John, Main st. 
(Jross, Galusha, Cedar st. 
Cunningham, G A, Brien st. 

THIRD WARD. 

Callahan, John, First st. 
Carman, James H, Third st. 
Casperson, Jacob, Third st. 
Casperson, Neils, Third st. 
Chase, L J, Fifth st. 
Cheeney, James, Fifth st. 



53 



312 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 

Christenson, C S Sago st. 

Cbristopherson, Hans, cor Avenue and Fifth st. 

Christeanson, Martin, Second st. 

Clark, Henry, Clark st. 

Clark, H 0, Clark st. 

Clark, John, Forrest ave. 

Clark, Adam. 

Cole, Ruell. 

Conover, W N, North Water st. 

Cowan, George A, Fourth st. 

Cronan, Tim, Third st. 

Cronan, Matt, Third st. 

FOURTH WAKD. 

Christenson, Plans, Union st. 
Cleveland, Moses W, Sherry st. 
Cleveland, Joseph, Sherry st. 

FIRST WARD 

Davis, R M. Division st. 
Davis, J R, Wisconsin ave. 
Davis, David, Wisconsin ave. 
Deal, Frank, Wisconsin ave. 
Deal, Louis, Wisconsin ave. 
Deraerritt, N, Doty ave. 
Depeski, August. 

Downing, George W, bds Russell House. Wis. ave. 
Dodge, Frank, Cherry st. 
Duffy, Peter. Doty ave. 

SECOND WARD. 

Daniels, J N, Wisconsin ave. 
Darrow, D C, Church st. 
Deal. Michael, Wisconsin ave. 
Dreves, Herman, Wisconsin ave 
Dohmke, Ferd, Third ave. 
Dunn, L J, Columbian ave. 
Dudrey, I W, Church st. 

THIRD WARD. 

Damon, Dewitt C, Forrest ave. 
Daniels, J T, First st. 
Darling, H F, First st. 



CITY DIRECTORY. 213 



Darliiio:, Horace, First st. 
Davis, John R, jr. Fifth st. 
Dolan, James, Commercial ave. 
Donovan, Dennis, Abbe ave. 
Danker, Henr3s High st. 
Dubois, Lonis, Commercial ave. 

FOURTH WARD. 

Danielson. (jeoroe, Winneconne ave. 
Dietz, Henry, Caroline st. 
Dudre}^ W H, Winneconne ave. 
Dudrey, E S, Winneconne ave. 

FIRST WARD. 

Edwards, P. Whiten ack road. 
Einkoff, (Jhristian, Wisconsin ave. 
Ely, Calvin, W^ashington ave. 
Ellis, Gains, Wisconsin ave. 
Ehrgott. Andrew, Doty ave. 
Ellis, William, W^ashington ave. 
Elliott, David. Lake Shore road. 
Erwin, John, Wisconsin ave. 
Estns, eTohn, Lake Shore road. 
Evans, E J, Turner st. 

SECOND WARD. 

Eaton. George F, Wisconsin ave. 
Eberlin, Albert, Smith st. 
Eickman, Fred, Third ave. 
Eisenach, Albert, Main st. 
Eisenach. Charley, Main st. 
Ellis, J I F, Church St. 
Elvvers, Frederick, (Proline st. 
Elwers, Ernst, Caroline st. 
Enquist, August. 
Enquist, S A, Second ave. 

THIRD WARD. 

Ely, Fred, Commercial ave. 
Evans, Evan, High st. 
Eldridge, A D, Hewitt st. 

FOURTH, WARD. 

Erghott, Frank, Lake st. 



214 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 

Erghott, Adam, Lake st. 
Errikson, Bore, Sherry st. 
Engelbertson, Christian, Union st, 

FIRST WARD. 

rarrell, Robert, Lake Shore road. 
Farrell, Henry, Lake Shore road. 
Fenton, Fred, Wisconsin ave. 
B'enton, Henry, Franklin ave. 
Forney, Eugene, Columbian ave. 
Forney. Louis, Columbian ave. 
Forney, W E, Columbian ave. 
Freeburn, Alexander, Lake Shore road. 
Frey, August, Columbian ave. 

SECOND WARD. 

Faas, Ferdinand, Columbian ave. 
Faas, Jacob, Main st. 
Foeltzer, Louis, Lagrange ave. 
Fischer, Ferdinand, Wisconsin ave. 
Fitzpatrick, John. Main st. 
Frazier, i^lexander. Smith st. 
Fowler, John. Cedar st. 

THIRD WARD. 

Finlan, James, sr. Third st. 
Finlan, James, jr, Third st. 
Finlan, John, Third st. 
Finlan, Owen, Third st. 
Fitzgerald, Mike, Third st 
Ford, John R, Fifth st. 
Fox, John, Avenue. 
Frey, William. Commercial ave. 

FOURTH WARD. 

Farrell, John, Winneconne ave. 
Feldman, Albert, Sherry st. 
Freeland, Fred, Caroline st. 



CITY DIRECTORY. 215 



FIRST WARD. 

Balentiiie, Samuel, Columbian ave. 
Gaffney. Philip, Oak st. 
Gape, Charles, Franklin ave. 
Ghagin, Thomas, Turner st. 
Gile, C H B, Wisconsin ave. 
Gittins, Watkin, Wisconsin ave. 
Gleason, J F, Doty ave. 
Goodman, John, Lagrange ave. 
Goodman, Edward, Lagrange ave. 
Goodman, Fred, Lagrange ave. 
Gram, Hans, Wisconsin ave. 
Gusman, Frank, Wisconsin ave. 
Gustavus, Emil, Maple st. 

SECOND WARD. 

Gans, Louis, Columbian ave. 
Gallighan, James, Main st. 
Garvey, Patrick, Wisconsin ave. 
Garvey, Michael, Wisconsin ave. 
Gavin, J D, Cedar st. 
Gerhardt, John, Main st. 
Gerhardt, Charles F, Smith st. 
Gilmore, B T, Wisconsin ave. 
Gleason, H J, Columbian ave. 
Goodman. Edward, Union st. 
Graves, W E, Wisconsin ave. 
Graw, William, Doty ave. 
Gustavus, H E, (^aroline st. 

THIRD WARD. 

Gagnon, Abe, Commercial st. 
Garmane, John, Avenue. 
Garus, Edman, Second st. 
Gray, Edward, First st. 
Grimes, Neil, First st, 
Guthormson, Tideman, River st. 

FOURTH WARD. 

Gavin, Martin, Sherry st. 
Giddings, Ephraim, Lake st. 
Giddintis, Eugene, Lake st. 
Guldager, Fred, Sherry st*. 



54 



216 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 

FIRST WARD 

Hamilton, J B, Doty ave. 
Hanson, Nels Si. 
Harder, Hiram, Wisconsin ave 
Harper, William, Plum street. 
Hartli, Peter, Wisconsin ave. 
Haper, Henry, Wisconsin ave. 
Haper, Fred, sr, Wisconsin ave. 
Haper, Fred, jr, Wisconsin ave. 
Heller, Henry, Lag-range ave. 
Heller, Mike, Plum st. 
Heller, Wm, Lagrange ave. 
Henderson, Wm, Franklin ave. 
Herman, Charles. 
Hicks, J A, Doty ave. 
Hinmaa, S D, Franklin ave. 
Holbrook, S T, Lake Shore ave. 
Holley, Orrin, Wisconsin ave. 
Haughfe, Charles, Cedar st. 
Howe, George, Cherry st. 
Huhn, George, Columbian ave. 
Humphrey, L D, Washington ave. 
Humphrey, Jason, Washington ave. 
Hurley, Thomas, Canal st. 

SECOND WARD. 

Halverson, Gustave, Wisconsin ave. 
Hanson, William, Main st. 
Hanson, Hans, Washington st. 
Hanson, Christian, Third ave. 
Hanson, Rasmus, Washington st. 
Hanson, Ole, Second ave. 
Hanson, Alexander, Main st. 
Hanson, Peter, Wisconsin ave. 
Hanson, Hans, Main st. . 
Hanson, George, Main st. 
Hanson, John, Caroline st. 
Haper, August, Sherry st. 
Hawley, Edwin, Main st. 
Hawley, John, Main st. 
Hawkinson, Lars, Main st. 



CITY DIRECTORY. 817 

Haas, Sebastian, Wisconsin ave. 
Henry, S F, Church st. 
Hesse, William, Cedar st. 
Hirsch, William, Wisconsin ave. 
Holbrook, H S, Columbian ave. 
Hold, Robert, Wisconsin ave. 
Horn, Henry, Church st. 
Hove, Charles, Wisconsin ave. 
Howard, C W, Columbian ave. 
Howo-ard, A P, Wisconsin ave. 
HuICJ J, Main st. 
Hull, M, Main st. 
Hubbard, W C, Cedar st. 
Hubertskey, Anton, Main st. 

THIRD WARD. 

Hall, Hiram, Fifth st. 

Hall, William, Avenue. 

Halsey, .Justus, Hewitt st. 

Hanson, Peter, Bond st. 

Hansted, Anson, North Water st. 

Hanson, Andrew, North Water st. 

Hanson, J A, Bond.st. 

Haynes, M H P, North Water st. 

Haywood, Martin, Fifth st. 

Haagerson, Christian, Lincoln st. 

Haaoferson, Hans, Lincoln st. 

Herrick, John, North Water st. 

Herrick, C N, North Water st. 

Herscher, Frederick, Avenue. 

Hewitt, W P, Hewitt st. 

Hicks, .James, Fourth st. 

Hill, S B, Avenue. 

Hobart, H A, North Water st. 

Holmes, David, Second st. 

Hooker, A 0, First st. 

Huept, John, Forrest ave. 

Hunoerford, .T A, North Water street. 

Hunt, 1 W, Forrest ave. 

Hunt, E L, Forrest ave. 



318 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK. FOR 1877-8. 

FOURTH WAltD. 

Handler, George, Cronkhite st. 
Handler, Anton, Cronkhite st. 
Hanson, J P, Wmneconne ave. 
Hardt, Charles. Harrison st. 
Heiden, Fred, Main st. 
Hoha, Charles, Main st. 
Humph re}', Charles, Main st. 
Hunt, John, Winneconne ave. 

SECOND WARD. 

■verson, Ole, Wisconsin ave. 

FIRST WARD. 

Jacobs, Frank. 
Jack, Fred, Franklin ave. 
Jackson, Louis, Maple st. 
Jenkins, William, Lake Shore road. 
Jenkins, Ed. Doty ave. 
Jenkins, John, Central st. 
.Jensen, August, Central st, 
.Johnson, Christian. 
Johnson, Hans Peter. Wisconsin ave. 
Johnson, Peter N, W^ashington ave. 
Jones, William. 
Jones, H M. Franklin ave. 
Jones, Thomas, Doty ave. 
.Jones, Arthur, Doty ave. 
Jones, James, Wisconsin ave. 

SECOND WARD. 

.Jackson, Louis. 

Jacobs, John F, Smith st. 

Jensen, J P, Sherry st. 

Johnson, James, Ann st. 

.Johnson, Andrew. 

Johnson, Peter, Isabella st. 

Johnson, Charles W, Isabella st. 



CITY DIRECTORY. 219 



Jacobson, Ole, Isabella st. 
Jacobsoii, Peter, Main st. 
Jasperson, J P, Doty ave. 
Jasperson, Martin, Dot}^ ave. 
Jendery, F, Sherry st. 
Jenkins, Richard W, Doty ave. 
Jensen, Jense Peter, Sherry st. 
Jensen, Nelse, Washino^ton st. 
Jensen, Jens. 
Jenson, Jones. 
John, Martin. 

Johnson, Bernard, Caroline st. 
Johnson, Evan, Lagranoe ave. 
Johnson, H C. 
Johnson, Neils, Caroline st. 
J(»hnson, H A, Smith st. 
Johnson. James, Cedar st. 
Jones, E W, Chnrch st. 
Jones, Ellis 0, Ann st. 
Jorgensen, Nels. 
Jorgensen, ?I C, Wisconsin ave. 

THIRD WARD. 

Jamieson, John, Saoo st. 

Jamieson, Robert, Sago st. 

Jasperson, Louis. 

Jensen, Ebbe. 

Jenson, Jens Peter, North Water st. 

Johnson, Ole, Second st. 

Johnson, Ingolf, Bond st. 

Johnson, James. 

Johnson, Hans P. 

Jones, Gilbert C. Ninth st. 

Jones, Willard, Commercial ave. 

Jorgenson, HansF, First st. 

Jorgenson, Otto, (Uark st 

Jourdan, Thomas, cor Avenue and Fourth st. 

FOURTH WARD. 

Jacobson, John, (Caroline st. 
Jagerson, George, Sherry st. 
Jagerson, Andrew, Union st. 



55 



2S0 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK FOR 1877-8. 

Jensen, Nels, iinphitted. 
Jensen, Lars, Washington ave. 
Jensen, Fritz, Union st. 
Jenson, Rasmus, Caroline st. 
Johnson, Thomas, Washin^^ton ave. 
Jones, Enos F. Lake st. 

FIRST WARD. 

Eammerdiener, Adam, sr, Columbian ave. 
Kane, William, Columbian ave. 
Kellett, Joseph H, Columbian ave. 
Kellett, A. Doty ave. 
Kellett, Wm, Cedar st. 
Kellogg, F F, Park ave. 
Kellogg, C F, Park ave. 
Kellogg, S R, Cedar st. 
Kellogg, A W, Cedar st. 
Kimball, Leonard, Olive st. 
Kimball, Thomas, Cedar st. 
Kimberly, D L, Wisconsin ave. 
Kimberly, J R, Wisconsin ave. 
Kimberly, Harvey L, Wisconsin ave. 
Kimberly, J A, Wisconsin ave. 
Kingsbury, George 0, bds Russell House. 
Kinney, R A, Wisconsin ave. 
Kleiner, John D, Wisconsin ave. 
Kohst, Ernst, Franklin ave. 
Krohn, John C, Whitenack road. 
Krueger, William, Franklin ave. 
Krueger, H F, Franklin ave. 
Kunz, August, Franklin ave. 
Kurtz, William, Wisconsin ave. 
Kurtz, Christopher, Wisconsin ave. 

SECOND WARD. 

Kellogg, George E, store, Wisconsin ave. 

Kepkie, William. 

Kerby, John, Cedar st. 

Klein, Peter, Isabella st. 

Klinke, Rasmus, Second ave. 

Klinke, R H, Main st. 



CITY DIRECTORY. 221 



Koelcli, Chris, Coliiinbian ave. 
Koepsel, John, Main st. 
Koepsel, Anaust, Main st. 
Kosteniyer, liev. S, Church st. 

THIRD WARD. 

Kamnierdiner, A, Bond st. 

Kane, Patrick, First st. 

Kane, .John, First st. 

KeUogg, C B, North Water st. 

Kelly, John, Hewitt st. 

Kelly, Daniel, Hewitt st. 

Kimball, Frank, Fifth st. 

Klinker. John, Avenue. 

Klinker, John, Avenue. 

Knudson, Alfred, Bond st. 

Kraby, Carl J, Second st. 

Krueger, A H F, Forrest ave. 

Krueger, Henry C, Forrest ave. 

Kryger, John, Central st. 

Kryger, Fred, Hioh and Center sts. 

Kuntz, Win, cor Grreen and Third st. 

FOURTH WARD. 

Kampe, Ernst, Cronkhite st. 
Kreutz, Conrad, Main st. 
Kruthson, Lars, ('aroline st. 

FIRST WARD. 

Lachman, Jacob, Wisconsin ave. 
Lagrange, Louis, unplatted. 
Lansing, W, Cedar st. 
Lansing. W A. 
Lancaster, Henry. 
Larson, .John, Doty ave. 
Larson, Nels, Columbian ave. 
Larson, James, Washington ave. 
Lee. Ransom, Reed st. 
Ijc Roy, Benjamin, Maple st. 
Leutsch, Richard. 
Leutsch, August. 
Lloyd, Isaac, Central st. 



232 THE ^^ GAZETTE" BOOK FOR 1877-8. 

Longhurst, W H, Wisconsin ave. 
Lord, Hiram, Lake Shore road. 
Loftus, Patrick, Franklin ave. 
Loudon, Henry, Central st. 
Lusty, John, Columbian ave. 

SECOND WARD. 

Langner, Charles, Doty ave. 
Lamm, Fred. 

Laker, William, Monroe st. 
Larson, Andrus. 
Larson, Roal, Isabella st. 
Larson, Erick, Winneconne ave. 
Larson, Arm, Winneconne ave. 
Larson, Peter, Second ave. 
Larson, John, Main st. 
Larson, Andrew, Sherry st. 
Larson, Lars, Main st. 
Larson, Charles, Second ave. 
Larson, Andrew C, Smith st. 
Lenz, Frederick, Caroline st. 
Lipke, William, Caroline st. 
Lyng, S 0, Caroline st. 
Lyng, John O, Main st. 

THIRD WARD. 

Landers, W, Third st. 

Larson, Andrew, Third st. 

Leach, Edgar, Fourth st. 

Leaven, Charles A, Sago st. 

Lewisch, Thomas, Fifth st. 

Lieutuerger> Jacob, Commercial ave. 

Lisk, A, Fourth st. 

Loomas, Matteson, Second st. 

Loos, August, Commercial ave. 

Lourenson, Christ. 

FOITRTH WARD. 

Larson, Andrew, unplatted. 



CITY DIRECTORY. 223 



FIRST WARD. 

Marsh, E P, Doty ave. 
Manning, Hugh, Turner st. 
Martin, Edward, Lasrrange ave. 
Mathews, L J, Elufst. 
Marcho, Frederick, Washington ave. 
Mehner, E Gr, Columbian ave. 
McKim, W S, Wisconsin ave. 
Mink, Henry, Washington ave. 
Monaghan, James, Doty ave. 
Morris, John, Lake Shore ave. 
Morrison. E W, Columbian ave. 
Moss, C W, Wisconsin ave. 

SE(^OND WARD. 

Mace, W^ilter, Third ave. 
Magnus, Swan, Third ave. 
Magnus, Martin. Lagrange ave. 
Magulskie. Michael, Main st. 
Manville, C B, Main st. 
Man toy, Carl, Main st. 
Marshall, J S, Cedar st. 
Marshall, J P, Cedar st. 
Martens. John, Ann st. 
Martin, Charles, Ann st. 
Marti I], .Limes, Wisconsin ave. 
Martin, Charles F, Doty ave. 
Matheson. Neils, Second ave. 
Melchoir, August, Wisconsin ave. 
Michael, Fred, Cedar st. 
Michelson, Andrew^ Cedar st. 
Michelson. Johannes, Wisconsin ave. 
Millard, John S. Doty ave. 
Millard. Alfred R, Do'ty ave. 
Millard, Alfred, Doty ave. 
Millard, S, ("aroline st. 
Millard, H, Caroline st. 
Miller, F H, Main st. 
Miller, P H, Main St. 
Mills, Andrew J, Wmneconne ave. 
Murray, Frank, Brien st. 



56 



324 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK FOR 1877-8. 

Murray, Alexander, Church st. 
Murer, Felix, Wisconsin ave. 
Myers. Ole. Cedar st. 
Mc Arthur, W F, Cedar st. 
McAllister, Georo:e, Third ave. 
McDermott, D, Church st. 
McGraw, Michael, Church st. 
McGraw, Edward, Church st. 
McHale, Edward. 
McLelland, John, Cedar st. 
McNaughton, John, Church st. 
McNaughton, Alex, bds Russell House. 
McPatskee, Michael. 

THIRD WARD. 

Maleish, Henry, North Water st. 
Maxwell, Win, Forrest ave. 
Maxwell, S J, Commercial ave. 
Mickelson, M, Commercial ave. 
Mickelson, Mads, Third st. 
Miller, Christian, Avenue. 
Mitchell, James, Church st 
Merchant, John. 
Monhall, .James. Clark st. 
Monroe, William, Avenue. 
Morey, J B, Sasfo st. 
Moulton, T T, Fourth st. 
McArthur, James, Commercial ave. 
McCoy, Peter. 

McGinn, James, Commercial ave, 
McGinn, Frank, First st. 
McGinty, A, Forrest ave. 
McGrath, Patrick, Forrest ave. 
Mcintosh, W N, cor Saofo and River sts. 
Mcintosh, S M, North Water st. 
McMahon, T, cor Edna av and Bond st. 
McMahon, Dennis, Bond st. 
fourth:ward. 

Martin. J S G, Main st. 
Miltzer,"Christian, Sherry st. 



CITY DIRECTORY. 225 



FIRST WARD. 

ilelseii, Neils, Doty ave. 

m Neiideck, William, Washington ave. 

11 Neudeek, Emil, Wisconsin ave- 

Neustetter, Chris, Wisconsin ave. 

Nichols, Stephen. Walnut st. 

SECOND WARD. 

Nelson, Andrew J, Wisconsin ave. 
Nelson, Rasmus, Winneconne ave. 
Nelson, Hans, Wisconsin ave. 
Nelson, Rasmus, jr, Washington ave. 
Nelson, Andrew, Second ave. 
Nelson, Ole, Caroline st. 

THIRD WARD. 

Nelson, Robert, Forrest ave. 
Nelson, Neils, Second st. 
Nelson, Jens, High st. 
Nelson, H, cor Hewitt and Fifth st. 
Norton, J:B, Third^st. 

FOURTH \VARD. 

Nelson, Lars, Main st. 
Nelson, Louis, Harrison st. 
Nelson, Nels. 

FIRST WARD. 

Obekiah, Samuel, Washington ave. 
Oberle, Valentine, Division st. 
Oborn, Edwin, bds Russell House. 
O'Brien, John, Elm st. 
O'Donnell, Fhelix. 
Owens, David, Pine st. 
Ottman, .T L, Franklin ave, 
Olsen, John, Washington ave. 
O'Rourk, Barney, Lagrange ave. 
Olsen, Peter, Dot}' ave. 

SECOND WARD. 

Oleson, Hans, Main st. 
Oleson, S Peter, Winneconne ave. 
Oleson. Jens, Second ave. 
Oleson, Jacob, Isabella st. 



336 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK FOR 1877-8. 

Oatman, Henry, Columbian ave. 
Oleson, Martin. 
Oleson, Jens, Second st. 
Olmstead, Lamar, Main st. 
O'Rourk, Jerry, Wisconsin ave. 

THIRD WARD. 

Olds, G, Forrest ave. 

O'Brien. M J, cor Commercial ave and railroad. 

Olmstead, L. cor Bond and Sago sts. 

Olmstead, Charles C, cor Bond and Sago. 

Olsen, Austin, Forrest ave. 

Olsen, Adolph, Second st. 

Olsen, Hans, North Water st. 

Olsen, Martin, Bond st. 



FIRST WARD. 

Page, C 0, Wisconsin ave. 
>aschen. C H, Whitenack road. 
Patten, L B, Columbian ave. 
Patterson, Henry, Wisconsin ave. 
Patterson, W W, Dotv ave. 
Patterson, W T, Dotv ave. 
Patterson, D S. 

Patzel, Joseph, Wisconsin ave. 
Paul, Charles, Columbian ave. 
Peck, William, Cedar st. 
Peck, John VV, Cedar st. 
Peterson, Charles, Whitenack road. 
Peterson, Charles. 
Peterson, Lars, Plum st. 
Peterson, John, Columbian ave. 
Peterson, Henry. Wisconsin ave. 
Peterson, Charles. Doty ave. 
Peterson, James, Maple st. 
FMiillips, John. Doty ave. 
Porter, L C, Wisconsin ave. 
Powers, M J. Wisconsin ave. 
Price, William, Lagrange ave. 
Proctor, John, Doty ave. 



CITY DIRECTORY. 227 



SECOND WARD. 

Paepke, Charles H, sr, Doty ave. 
Paepke, Theodore, Doty ave. 
Paepke, Charles, Doty ave. 
Palmer, William, Waverly Place. 
Palmer. Thomas, Monroe st. 
Palmer, G W, Winneconiie ave. 
Paschen, Henry, Main st. 
Paschen, Fred, Ann st. 
Patten, A W, Church st. 
Paulson, Paul A. 
Peckham, W P, Bond st. 
Peterson. Penry. 
Petzold, Charles, Wisconsin ave. 
Pieitfer, Adolph, Cedar st. 
Pingel, John, Wisconsin ave. 
Post, Albert W, Main st. 
Powdei'ly. James, Cedar st. 
Powers. Thomas. 

THIRD \VARD. 

Paine, James E, cor Commercial ave and Sago st. 

Paul, Louis, Sago st. 

Penderson, Johan, Second st. 

Petereon, Carl, Second st. 

Peterson, Hans P, Second st. 

Peterson, .Jens, Second st. 

Peterson. Lars P, Fourth st. 

Peterson, Hans, First st. 

Phipps, George, Commercial ave. 

Plummer, H H, Forrest ave. 

Potter, Rev. T, T. Forrest ave. 

Prebuson, Johannes, North Water st. 

Price, Joseph H, cor High and Center st. 

Publickhauser, Henry, Hewitt st. 

FOURTH WARD. 

Peterson, Christian, Cronkhite st. 
Peterson, Jens, Sherry st. 
Peterson, Moreton, Union st. 
Peterson. James, Sherry st. 
Peterson, Christian, Caroline st. 
Phillips, William, Lake st. 



57 



228 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK FOR 1877-8. 

FIRST WARD. 

!uinn, Patrick, Cedar st. 
THIRD WARD. 
Quail a, John, P\)iTe.st ave. 
Quackenbush, Hiram, Third st. 

FIRST WARD. 

Rea, W H, Wisconsin ave. 
Reese, Thomas A, Turner st. 
Reich, Carl, VVhitenack road. 
Reich, Anton, Whitenack road. 
Reimer, Joseph, Lake Shore road. 
Richmond, E A, Doty ave. 
Richards, S G. 

Riedel, Ludwig, Franklin ave. 
Robinson, Wqi A, Washington ave. 
Robinson, James, Wisconsin ave. 
Robinson, John, Doty ave. 
Rowland, David, Columbian ave. 
Russell, J B, prop Russell House, Wisconsin ave. 

SECOND WARD. 

Rabe, Fred, Caroline st. 
Rabe, Henry, Wisconsin ave. 
Rasmus, Thomas, Wiuneconne ave. 
Rasmus, Christ, Brien st. 
Reese, Thos W, Winneconne ave. 
Reese, David E, Winneconne ave. 
Rehfeld, Charles, Ann st. 
Rogers, George, \¥isconsin ave. 
Rogers, Frank, Smith st. 
Ruth. Gustavo, Wisconsin ave. 

THIRD WARD. 

Randall, Henry, Fourth st. 

Reese, John, North Water st. 

Rice, G H. 

Rice, Reuben, Bond st. 

Roberts, John, proi> Roberts' House, Forrest ave. 

Robinson, E H, North Water st. . 

Robinson, Henry, (commercial ave. 

Robinson, N S, Commercial ave. 

Roup, Samuel, Commercial ave. 



CITY DIRECTORY, 229 



Russell, L H, Third st. 

Russell, Frank T, Commercial ave. 

FOURTH WARD. 

Ranney. E B, Winneconne ave. 
Rasmuson, John, Union st. 
Robinson, William, Main st. 
Roland, Mike, Lake st. 

FIRST WARD. 

Sande, Emil, Cherry st. 
Schoheld, C H, Central st. 
Schultz, Wni, Division st. 
Schlenker, Wenzel, Wisconsin ave. 
Sawyer, E L, Cedar st. 
Sawyer, George, Cedar st 
Schneider, Leopold, Wisconsin ave. 
Schooley, J L, Lake Shore road. 
Scott, Geo E. Olive st. 
Seatoi't, William, Doty ave. 
Servis, C H. Franklin ave. 
Setterland, Alfred. 
Seymour, Charles, Third st. 
Shattuck, F C, Wisconsin ave. 
Sheerin, Frank, Washington ave. 
Shea, Patrick, Lagrange ave. • 
Shiells, Robert, Doty ave. 
Shoemaker, Hiram, Franklin ave. 
Sini})son, S A, Olive st. 
Smith, S P, Franklin ave. 
Smith, Wright, Whitenack road. 
Smith, Alt', Doty ave 
Solomon, Fred, Central st. 
Solomon, John, Oak st. 
Spear, Emil, (/olnmbian ave, 
Sperry, E M, Cedm- st. 
Stanford, Robert, Doty ave. 
Stanford, .los, Doty ave. 
Starkey, H, Franklin ave. 
Steenberg, J P. 
Steib, John, Lagrange ave. 
Stelo, August, Turner st. 



230 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK FOR 1877-8. 

Stevens, John, sr, Columbian ave. 
Stone, Richard, Olive st. 
Stone, J N, Doty ave. 
Storm, John, Wisconsin ave. 
Strauss, F, Columbian ave. 
Swift, E W, Walnut St. 
Swift, E S, Walnut st. 

SECOND WARD. 

Sawyer, Ira A, Sherry st. 
Sawyer, George E, Sherry st. 
Sawyer. Chauncey, Sherry st. 
Sawyer, C L, Smith st. 
Schmid, George, Wisconsin ave. 
Schmidt, Charles F, Cedar st. 
Schottler, John, Lagrange ave. 
Schraeder, John, Main st. 
Schuman, William, Sherry st. 
Schuman, Carl, Sherry st. 
Schuman, Fred, Smith st. 
Schwartz. Frank, Caroline st. 
Shaft, Henry, JMain st. 
Sherry, James, Columbian ave. 
Sherry, Thomas, Columbian ave. 
Sherry, Henry, Church st. 
Sherry, Wm, Columbian ave. 
Sheerin, Thad, Smith st. 
Sindahle, Nelse C, Second ave. 
Smith, Hiram, Main st. 
Smith, Edward, Church st. 
Soernson, Chris, Ann st. 
Sorenson, Andrew, Smith st. 
Sorley,M E, Cedar St. 
Spaulding, E A, Columbian ave. 
Squires, H J, Smith st. 
Starkenburg, Felix, Doty ave. 
Stevens, John, jr. Church st. 
Stiles. J M, Cedar st. 
Stilp, John, Wisconsin ave. 
Storm, Fred, Washington ave. 
Storm, Charles, Main st. 



CITY DIRECTORY. 231 

Stowe, Lovell, Columbian ave. 
Stowe, S A, Columbian ave. 
Stowe, L W, Columbian ave. 

THIRD WARD. 

Sanborn, Milton. Third st. 

Sawj^er, Henry, Bond st. 

Schimpf, Henry, North Water st. 

Severson, Peter. 

Sexton, Michael, Third st. 

Sexton, John, Forrest ave. 

Sheerin, Henry, Clark st. 

Smith, W F, cor Bond st and Edna ave. 

Smith, Nelson Nels, North Water st. 

Smith, Reuben, Lincoln st. 

Soles, F M. 

Sommer, Joseph, Green st. 

Sorrenson, Neils, Second st. 

Spicer, C A. North Water st. 

Striddie, William, High st. 

Striddie, August, Bond st. 

Sullivan, Jens, Forrest ave. 

Sutton, C W, North Water st. 

Sykes, Sidney, First st. 

Syme, Alex. Avenue. 

FOURTH WARD. 

Schlingting, Christian, IJnicm st. 
Silleman, Peter, Caroline st. 
Sorenson, Claus, Harrison st. 
Sorenson, Claus .J, Union st. 
Sorenson, A, Caroline st. 
Stoeber, Joseph, Harrison st. 

FIRST WARD. 

Ieidt, John, Olive st. 
Tessendorff, Louis, Dot}' ave. 
Thielecke, Wm, Washington ave. 
Thomas, Griffith, Washington ave. 
Thomas, C L, Walnut st. 
Thomas, Wm, Franklin ave. 
Thompson, Guy, Central st. 



58 



833 THE ^^ GAZETTE" BOOK FOR 1877-8. 

Todd, Geo W, Wisconsin ave. 

Tomson, John. 

Torre}^ W B M, Franklin ave. 

SECOND WARD. 

Tessendorf, Charles, Lagrange ave. 
Tessendort, John, Church st. 
Tessendorf, Wm, Main st. 
Thomas, A A, Doty ave. 
Thompson, F T, Cedar st. 
Thompson, Andrew, Wisconsin ave. 
Thompson, H, Henry st. 
Tippins, F W, Wisconsin ave. 
Tobin, Edmund, Smith st. 
Tobey, S E, Monroe st. 
Tyler, G A, Cedar st. 

THIRD WARD. 

Thisman, John, Forrest ave. 
Thompson, Job, Bond st. 
Thompson, Christian, Edna ave. 
Thompson, G W, Second st. 

FOURTH WARD. 

Thompson, George, Lake st. 
Tobey, J W, Main st. 
Tueson, Christian, Caroline st. 
Tueson, Lars, Caroline st. 

FIRST WARD 

Dlrich, Oswald, Plum st. 
Ulrich, Louis, Doty ave. 
Upton, Samuel, Lake Shore road. 

SECOND WARD. 

Utley, T L, Winneconne ave. 

THIRD WARD. 

Utley, L J, Bond st. 

FIRST WARD. 

■landermark, James, Doty ave. 

11 Vollbehr, Henry, Washington ave. 



CITY DIRECTORY. 233 



SECOND WARD. 

Van Ostrand, D. C, Chureli st. 
Van Tassel, E B, Columbian ave. 
Van Tassel, Julius, Columbian ave. 

THIRD WARD. 

Van Vuren, H J, Commercial ave. 
Voigt, Richard, Second st. 

FOURTH WARD. 

Van Middlesworfch, H, Main st. 
Voss, Louis, sr. Main st. 
Voss. Louis, jr. Main st. 

FIRST WARD. 

iiiagner, Jacob, Oak st. 

ill Walker. Henry, Lake Shore road. 

II Walker, Phineas, Lake Shore road. 

Weber, Louis. 

Weil, Fred, Reed st. 

Wells. Charles, Cherry st. 

Wells, Wilbur, Cherry st. 

Wheeler, U C, Park ave. 

Willard, Norman, Wisconsin ave. 

Williams, W J, Franklin ave. 

Williams, David, Columbian ave. 

Williams, E T. Elm st. 

Williams, P R, Elm st. 

Wing, Elmer, Washington ave. 

Wiser, J W, (Jecil st. 

SECOND WARD. 

Webb, H A, Cedar St. 
Webber, C L, Columbian ave. 
Weber, -loseph. Church st. 
Weber, Louis, Church st 
Weber, Gus, Winneconne ave. 
Weber, Ernst, Winneconne ave. 
Westgate, Ira, Winneconne ave. 
Westtall, Frank, Second ave. 
Wheedon, James, Smith st. 
Wheeler, C J, Wisconsin ave. 
Wheeler, Samuel, Isabella st. 



S34 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK FOR 1877-8, 

Wigo^ins, Frank, Wisconsin ave. 
Wilcox, George, Church st. 
Wildfang, Henry, Wisconsin ave. 
Williams, H R, 
Williams, Solomon. 
Williams, E D, Lagrange ave. 
Williams. John, Lagrange ave. 
Williams, R B, Main st. 
Williams, Wm, Lagrange ave. 
Wilson, Hugh, Doty ave. 
Winskow, Erick, Wisconsin ave. 
Winters, M F, Church st. 
Winter, N C, Caroline st. 
Wockner, Charles. Monroe st. 
Wockner, Fred, Monroe st. 
Worm, J, Smith st. 
Wright, J E, Winneconne ave. 
Wright, I H, Doty ave. 
Wulff, Oscar, Cedar st. 

THIRD WARD. 

W^eickert, E T, Second st. 
Welch, Daniel, Fourth st. 
Wheeler, M H, Forrest ave. 
Whipple, Zebulon, North Water st. 
Whitenack, Andrew J. Commercial ave. 
Whiting, G A, cor Fourth ave and Fifth st. 
Wood, Jerry, Forrest ave. 
Woodwortli, H N, River st. 
Woodworth, Eugene, North Water st. 

FOURTH WARD. 

Wagoner, Fred, Harrison st. 
Watson. John, Union st. 
Wells, B W, unplatted. 
Wells, William, unplatted. 
Wells. David, Lake st- 
Willard, Abel, Lake st. 
Woldt, Daniel, Union st. 
Wood, James P, Harrison st. 



CITY DIRECTORY. 235 



SECOND WARD. 

rulsdorf, Wm, Main st. 
THIRD WARD. 
Young, G W, Fifth St. 
Young, David T, Fifth st. 
Young, E A, North Water st. 
Young, A M, Fifth st. 
Young, John, Fifth st. 

FIRST WARD. 

2emlock, Stephen, Central st. 
Zemlock, Andrew, First st. 
THIRD WARD. 

Zemann, Fred, Third st. 

FOURTH WARD. 

Zolk,''Henry, Union st. 



^^r 



--*^?^ ^i&^CT^^S^^^ 



59 



236 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK FOR 1877-8. 

OFFICIA.L DIRECTORY. 



D. L. KIMBERLY 



George Danielson, Carl J. Kraby, 

City Treasurer- City Clerk- 



JAMES R. BARNETT, 

Superintendent of Schools- 



FIRST WARD. 

William Kellett, John R. Davis, sr. ^ 

SECOND WARD. 

W. p. Peckham, Henry Sherry. 

THIRD WARD. 

M. H. P. Haynes, Ira W. Hunt 

FOURTH WARD. 

Martin Gavin, Andrew .lorsrenson. 



JAMES CONLAN, JAMES M'CINN, 

Police Justice. Chiei' of Police. 



Chief of Fire Department- 

M. H. P. H^YISTES 



Post Office- 

C. A. CUNNINGHAM, DAVID E. REESE, 

Postmaster. Assistant. 



BUSINESS DIRECTORY. 237 



BUSINESS DIRECTORY. 



Sketches of Business History in Neenah. 




N tlio fol lowing chapter we give a list of the per- 
sons and firms now engaged in business in this 
£" city, giving date of establishment, and in some 
cases brief sketches of those engaged therein. The 
space has been devoted to each that they chose to use, 
and we have endeavored to arrange and classify the vari- 
ous trades, professions, etc., so that the list may be a 
ready reference, valuable as a permanent advertisement, 
and interesting' as giving for the present and future a 
complete record of the business interests of the place. 



238 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK FOR 1877-8. 



ALEX. BILLSTEIN, Established 

PHILIP GAPFNEY. 1856. 

A.LEX. BILLSTEIIST & CO., 

m dooBS d wmi 

READ^" MADE CLOTHINO 

AND 

MERCIZAXTT T^ZIiOKZITG. 

.lOBBKRS IN 

Wool, Hops, Seeds, Hides, Pelts, Furs, Etc. 



Alexander Billstein is a native of Germany, coming to 
this country in 1851, first settling in the State of Ohio. 
In 1856 he came to Neenah and engaged in business in 
the same J^tore occupied by him at this time, which 
makes him one of the oldest business men on the street, 
or at least he has carried on business in the same stand 
for a greater number of years than an}" merchant in 
Neenah. 

For several years H. Hyinan was associated with him 
in trade, the firm being known as Hyman & Billstein 
until 1864, when Alex. Billstein became sole owner, con- 
tinuing the business and greatly enlarging and extend- 
ing the same, his yearly sales being probably greater 
than that of an}" other merchant in the place. In 1874 
Mr. Philip Gaffney, for many years his confidential clerk 
was given an interest in the business, the firm now 
being known as Alex. Billstein & Co. 

Mr. Billstein has at all times been prominent in pub- 
lic as well as business and social affairs, and has held 
many offices of trust, having been for two terms presi- 
dent of the village, and in 1875 was elected mayor of the 
city. 



BUSINESS DIRECTORY. 239 



ESTABLISHED 1866. 



WILLIAM KBLLBTT 

f)i'yG|;ood0i]S[otion^ 

BOOTS, SZZOSS. 

GROCERIES, ETC. 

AGENT FOR 

Menaslia "Woolexi Mills. 



Mr. Kellett has been in trade in this place for twelve 
years, coming- to Neenah early in the spring of 1866. 
He had for some time previous resided on a ftirm in the 
town of Oshkosh, but wishing to engaae in business, came 
to this place, first with the intention of embarking in 
the flour- mill business, but on the first day of April, 
1866, he purchased of Edward Smith a one-third inter- 
est in the corner store, the firm thereafter being known 
as Kellett, Dunn & Co. 

In the spring of 1872, Kellett sold his interest to 
Henry Sherry, and in October of that year opened a stock 
of goods in the corner store under the old Russell House. 
In November, 1876, he purchased the stock of W. P. 
Hewitt & Co., and moved back to the " Corner Store," 
Smith's block, his present location. Mr. Kellett is a 
native of York State. Since his residence in Neenah 
he has held many positions of trust, and since the in- 
corporation of the city has for several successive years 
represented his ward in the board of Aldermen. 



60 



240 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK FOR 1877-8. 



FRAISTEL E. HUBBARD, 

DKAI.KR IN 

FINE CLOTHING, 

Hats, Caps, Gloves, Mittens, Etc., Etc. 

dents' and Youth><' Fine BootP, Shoes and Gaiters. 
PATTEIS'S BLOCK, - . . . CEDAR STREET. 



CHARLES LANGNER. LOUIE PAUL. 

LA-NG^NEI^ &■ PAUL, 



DEALERS IN 

DRY GOODS, NOTIONS, CLOTHING, BOOTS, SHOES. CROCKERY, 

WOODEN WARE AND COUNTRY PRODUCE- 

Mr. Langner carried on a country store for several 
years in the town of Wolf River, removing to Neenah 
in 1873. He was bnrned out July 19, 1877. and built aj 
fine brick store on the site ot the one destroyed. In | 
1878 Louie Paul became interested in the business. 



ORAM &r MILLER, 

(Successors to VValff, Clauson it Co.) 

UEALEUS IN 

DRY GOODS, NOTIONS, BOOTS, SHOES, CROCKERY, 

Groceries, Provisions, and Country Produce. 
RUSSELL HOUSE BLOCK, - - WISCONSIN AVE. 

The present partnership wa? formed this spring. Mr. Gram havini2; been a 
member ol' the old tirm, and Mr. Miller carried on a grocery siore on Main 
street for four years previous. 



COTFREDT CHRISTENSEN 

BEALEK IN 

DUV goods iilTD ITOTZOXTS, 

Boots, Shoes, Crockery, Groceries, etc Mr Christensen is one of the pio- 
neer traders, haying commenced business in 1852, and kept a shoe-shop until 
1867, when he began merchandising with a mixed stock. In 1875 he built a 
fine brick store and now occupies the same. 



BUSINESS DIRECTORY. 241 



ESTABLISHED 1856. 

HENRY ^\^ILDF^ISrG^ 

GENERAL MERCHANT. 

X>K,Y OOOI>S!$, IVOTIOISTS, 

Scot^<, 01|oe^ Clotl]ii)g, Hat>^, Ck-p>^, ai]tl (^I'odefie^. 

PKOPRIETOK OF 

Wildlaiig-'s IMineral Ji^pring", 

Proved i)y analysis to be equal in medicinal properties to the most noted 
springs in the West. Mr. Wildran<>; hesjan business iti Neenah in 1856, first 
in tile brick block now owned by John Brown, afterward in the brick store 
standing on tlie site of his present location. He built the store which he now 
occupies, in 1874. 



AUGUST STRIDDE 

BUT ©©©IDS AKB Mt^ItHS^ 

MERCHANT TAILORING 

WISCONSIN AVENUE, - - "- NEENAH, WIS. 

Began business in 1868, and in 1871 occupied a store in Patien's block. In 
1875 moved to present location, in Hunt's block. 



WILLIAM KRUEGER. NORMAN WILLARD- 

HEAVY AND SHELF HARDWARE, 

STOVES. TIN WAKE AND 

AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS. 

Wholesale and Retail- 



Ill the year • 1866 William Kriieger began the hard- 
ware business in Neenah, shortly after becoming associ 
ated with W. P. Peekham in carrying on the Island 
City Stove Works in addition to a general hardware 
business. In 1874 Noruian Wilhird was added to the 
firm, and the large double store, now occupied by Krue- 
ger & Willard was built. In 1875 they purchased the 
interests of Peekham, and the firm became Krueger & 
Willard. 



242 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK FOR 1877-8. 



HARDWARE, 



1) 
WISCONSIN AVENUE. 



The business history of Mr. Peckham forms an inter- 
esting sketch in the records of the place. Hon. W. 
Pitt Peckham is a native of York State, coming to 
Neenah in 1855, which makes him one of the pioneer 
traders. In 1858, in company with H. P. Leavens, the 
hardware stock and business of J. H. Peckham was pur- 
chased and the firm of Leavens & Peckham estab- 
lished, continuing until 1860. when the interest of Leav- 
ens was purchased and the business continued for sev- 
eral years by Peckham. Mr. A. H. Babcock had an in- 
terest in the bnsiness for one year during this latter 
period. In 1866 the Island City Stove Works were 
established by Mr. Peckham, which concern continued 
in operation for nearly ten years Wm Seatoft was a 
partner in the foundry business during the first year. 
At this time the hardware store was sold to H. P. Leav- 
ens and C. B. Clark, and shortly after Mr. Wm. Kreuger 
became a partner in the stove foundry, the firm being 
Peckham & Kreuger. In 1874 Norman Willard was 
added to the firm, and the same year the company built 
a large double store on Wisconsin avenue. In 1875 
Mr. Peckham disposed of his interests in both store and 
foundry, and purchased the large hardware stock of 
Smith, Van Ostrand & Leavens, and is still carrying on 
business at the same location. Mr. Peckham has 
held many positions of public trust, having been presi 
dent of the village in 1868; represented this Assembly 
District in the Assembly of 1874, and is at present a 
member of the board of aldermen, representing the 
Second Ward. 



BUSINESS DIRECTORY. 243 



OEO. E'. SCOTT 



HARDWARE 



AND 



FAB.MZ1TG ZMFZ.SMBITTS. 

^tovefi, finwki'e, Cutlei"/ and SniWing Jdatefikl. 



PLOWS, CULTIVATORS 

AND 

HORSE RAKES, ETC., ETC. 

COR. WISCONSIN AVENUE AND CEDAR STREET 



Georo^e E. Scott, is a son of Wni. H., a native of New 
Hampshire, and Mary A. Scott, of New York. They 
are amono; the earliest pioneers, havino^ come to the 
State and settled in the town of Neenah, now Vinland, 
in 1846, on land purchased by them trom the Govern- 
ment, and where they now reside. George commenced 
selling' agricultural implements in 1867 and still con- 
tinues to make them a specialty. In 1872 he bought 
out L. W. Stowe's interest in the firm of Stowe & Mos- 
sop in a small hardware store, and remained with J. C. 
Mossop, under the firm name of Scott & Mossop for one 
year. He shortly after bought out Mossop's interest 
and in February. 1875 removed his stock to the store on 
the northwest corner of Wisconsin avenue and (^edar 
street, [see page 111 J where he is now located and doing 
a fine business. 



61 



244 THE 'GAZETTE'^ BOOK FOR 1877-8. 



Hard-war©, Stoves and Tin-ware 

WISCONSIN AVENUE. 
Wallace Stowe began business in 187Si with J. ('. Mossop. Afterward sold 
out tc Ueo. E. Scott', and in August, 1876. commenced business for himself 
in his present location. 



IHE iEEHii mmr 

G. A. CUNNINGHAM, Editor and Proprietor. 

oi<f)E{$*r SKI) I<8^(^Sj)5T PSPf^-K IJ\f Ths^ Ci*i'y 

OFFICE AND PRESSROOM IX PETTIBONE BLOCK, WISCONSIN AVE. 
(See illustration, page HI.) 



The first paper printed in Neenah w{^s called T/ie Consei-vatftr 
and first made its appearance in the month of May, 1856, Har- 
rison Reed, editor and puhlisher. Throuj^h various chanj^es and 
under several names, tlie one paper was continued, in 1871 it 
taking the name of Gazette, this paper being the direct succes- 
sor to The ]\"hinebago County Presx, The Island City Tiincx^ and The 
Ooiiaervntor . 



Neeistah City Times, 

J. N. STONE, Editor and Proprietor. Office, Patten's Block. 

The Titneft succeeded The Neenah C'Ui/ News, established by J. 
N. Stone, Oct. 15, 1875. The name was afterward changed to its 
present title. 



L,. H. KIMBALL. 

CityNeavs Depot. 



UEALER IN AI.I. KINDS OP 



Stationery, Toys, Fancy and Holiday Goods 

Began business In 1870, Cedar Street. 



Mr. Kimball was the first man to make a success of 
a news room in Neenah, and now has a snug business. 



BUSINESS DIRECTORY. 245 



SAM. F. HENRY. 

DdRrUuGgSs, 

Paints, Oils, Varziis]a.es, 

MISCELLANEOUS, SCHOOL, and BLANK 

BOOKS. ETC. 

Peltibone Block, - - Wisconsin Ave. 

(Si-e illustraiion. patrelll.) 

This business was commenced by D. L. Kimberly, in 1861, in 
a wooden bnildin<< wliere now stands Manville's brick store, 
moving in IHGo to the present location in Pettibone block, (see 
pau;e 111.) S. F. Henry went into the store in 1863, and m 1866 
was admitted as a partner, the tirm being known as Kimberly & 
Henry vmtil 1874, when S. F. Henry, }«urchased Kimberly 's in- 
terest and has since conducted the business alone. 



EDWARD P. MARSH, 

^ KSTAKLISIIEI) 1S.')8. 

Book, Drug and Music Store. 

(H.DKST l)l{l(i HOrsK IN THE ( ITY. 

PIANOS/ ORGANS, 

AND OTHER 

musicalL iisstritme:nts, 

Aud Musical Meirhaiuliise of all kinds constauUy in stock. 



E. P. Marsh is the oldest drugs^ist in the city, and has 
s<c*en all phases of trade in Neenah. He first kept a drug 
store in the building- now occupied by Joe Kellett as a 
meat market. He afterward moved to the corner store 
under the old Russell House, and in ISTObuiltthe liand- 
some brick store, which he now occupies. 



246 THE ^' GAZETTE ^^ BOOK FOR 1877-8. 



JAMES oallagmia:n^ 

DEAI.EK m 

GROCERIES d mmm. 

MAIN STREET, - - NEENAH. 



Mr. Gallaghan is one of tlie early-day traders, having com- 
menced business in 1853, and for twenty-five years has made no 
change in location or otherwise. Gallaghan is a native of Ire- 
land, born in County Cavan, 



PETER JOHNSON. C. W. JOHNSON. 

jrOHNSOlSr Sc SON" 

Popular Grocers. 

PATTEN'S BLOCK, - - WISCONSIN AVENUE. 

See II In titration, (page 111.) 

BEST AND FRESHEST GOODS. 

LOWEST CASH RRICES. 

GOODS DELIVERED TO ANY PART OF THE CITY. 



Johnson & Son succeeded Hinraan & Wheeler, com 
mencing business in 1876. They enjoy a large and 
growing business. 



CHARLES A. LEA.VENS, 

General Grocer. 

COR. WISCONSIN AVENUE AND CHURCH STREET. 

Mr. Leavens first visited Neenah in 1849, and retureed in 1853 and began 
business. In 1856-8 he built the brick store now occupied by him, the hall 
above for many years having been used as a place of meeting by the M. E. 
Church, and alterward for the Masonic society. He still conducts a general 
grocery business. 



BUSINESS DIRECTORY. 247 



ANDREW J. WHITENACK. JAMES MITCHELL. 

WHITEN^ACK &, MITCHELL, 

GrocerymeN. 

CEDAR STREET, - NEENAH. 

This firm began business in 1875, succeeding Plunimer & 
Mayo in the corner store, Leavens' block. In 1876 they moved 
to their present location. Cedar street. 



T., TOUt:SOISr &r BRO.. 

aKOCSRIES and PK.0VISI01TS, 

Country Produce, Woodenware. Crocker}', Etc. 

WISCONSIN AVENUE, - - - NEENAH, WIS. 



GEORGE SCHMIDT, 

City Restaurant 

CEDAR STREET, - - NEENAH. 

Coiifectionarv, Fruit. Pipes. Tobacco, etc. Manufacturer of <'i(rars. 






a 



JOS. H. KELLETT. Prop- 

Flesh,, Fox^l and Fisli, 

Constantly supplied ;it the lowest niaikct rat-'s. Ue.u'an business in 1871. 

WISCONSIN AVENUE, - - - NEENAH. 



TI. C. F. SCTIIMT^F, 

Harness Maker. 

Horse Clolhinij;. Whips, Etc. Kstablished 1868. 

W^ISCONSIN AVE., -" - NEENAH. 

62 



248 



THE "GAZETTE" BOOK FOR 1877-8. 



THEODORE BRO^V^N, 



PROPRIETOR OF 



NEENIH SfilfE f OEES 



MANUFACTURER OF 



FiouM Bammbi 



NEENAH, 



WBS. 



Mr. Brown was among the first in this part of the State to be' 
sjin the manufacture, by machinery, of flour barrel staves and 
headings. He commenced operations in a very small way in 
1860. This factory was burned down the same rear, but was at 
once rebuilt, and was the second time destroyed, thw latter fire 
occurring in 1866. Mr. Brown rebuilt in his present location, 
and has since carried on a verj^ extensive business. 



HENRY SHERRY. 



MANUFACTURER AND DEALER IN 



Lath, Pickets, Timber. Posts, Etc. 



Office and Yards on Wisconsin Avenne- 

Mr. Sherr}" has been engaged in the lumber business sinc^ 
1868, and in addition to his business here, has large interests at 
other points, including heavy investments in pine lands. Mr. 
Sherry is also one of our heaviest real estate owners, being 
largely interested in the material welfare of the place. He came 
toNeenah with his father, Hugh Sherry, in 1853. 



BUSINESS DIRECTORY. 



249 



CAPITAL, $75000. 



ESTABLISHED 1861 




OF STEEITAH. 

MEI^RY HEWITT, SR., ROBT. SHIELLS, 

President. C'ayhier. 

Oi-oranized as a National Rank in 186(5. 8avines Bank Department, established 

m 1H72. 

COENER WISCONSIN AVENUE .\ND CEDAR STREET. 

(J^ee Illustration, page 111.) 



ROBERT HOLD 

DFALKU IX 

FURNITURE 



Wisconsin Avenue. 



Pvobcrt Hold is one of the old-timers, and is one of the char- 
acters of the place. No man is more generally or widely known, 
and no resident of the city more deservedly })opnlar with idl 
classes. Characteristic and peculiar in all his sayings and do- 
ings, no public demonstration is complete without his presence. 
]Mr. Hold came to Neenah in 1849, beginning business in 1850, 
in carrying on a latii mill (see page 82.) In 1852 he commenced 
the furniture trade, opening a shop in a small vvooden building 
on the site of his present establishment, and carrying on the 
manufacture of furniture for several years at the mill on the 
water-power. In 1809 he built the large brick store which he 
now occupies. 

Aylwa.jri)s Ploav Wokks. 

JPLOWS, STOVES, ItETTLES, 
And general fonndry work. WEST SIDE SLOUGH BRIDGE. Neenah, Wis. 



This foundry was established in 1872 by William Aylward and proved a suc- 
cessful enterprise frcm the tirst. having been several times enlarged. 



250 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK FOR 1877-8. 



FOX RIVER 



Eptahlished in Menasha in 1860; removea to Neenah in 1872. 

T. T. M O U L T O W, Prop'r- 

MANI'FACTl RER AND DEAI.BH IN 

CLIFTON AT^D GBEY LIME, 

Mortar, L^ake and Bank Sand, 

Plastering Hair, Cement, Stucco, Etc. 

Eventhing in the line of masoni*' buiklinfr material, ('onti'act:^ for matron 
work taken at reasonable rates. Ortice on U iscons^in ave.. wext to railroad. 



G. A. TYLER, 






AND T)Kal?;r in 



^t. 



CIGARS, COLLARS, CUFFS, Etc., Etc. 

NEXT DOOR SOUTH OF THE POST OFFICE- 

NEENAH, - - - WISCONSIN. 



ERNEST ELWERS, 

manufacturer and dealer in 

BOOTS A.]srr) shoes. 

Began businese iu 1860. Wisconsin Avenue. 



BUSINESS DIRECTORY. 251 



C. W. HOWARD. J. R. DAVIS, Jr. 

MERCHANT MILLERS. 

C. W. Howard came to Xeenah in 1862, anrl for several years 
carried on an extensive harness shop. In 1874 he was interest- 
ed with A, ^V. Patten in the paper mill, and engaged in the 
flour mill hnsiness in 1877. 

John R. Davis came to N"eenah with his parents in 1848, bein^ 
then but a child. He followed the millino: business for several 
years, and formed a partnership with Howard in 1877. 



Manville's Block, - Wisconsin Aye. 

J. N. Daniels is the man 
Who keeps this place, we iiHderstaud. 
Since Eisjhfeen Hundred and Seventy-four 
Crowds* have tloeked about liit* door. 
And Bsen upon the road all say: 
"We must get to Daniels" by Saturday; 
He shaves quick and neat, thou^jjli your face be rough. 
And tits von out with collar and cufl'."" 



JIM. W. BROWN, 
LIVERY AND SALE STABLE. 

CEDAR STREET, - - NEENAH. 

U. S. Mail Messenger. 



C. L, WEBBER, 

House, Carriage i Sign Painter. 

White Lead. Oils, Varnish and Mixed Paints. 
WISCONSIN AVE. NEENAH. 



A. BELANGER. L. DUBOIS. 

BELATsraEK & DUBOIS, 

WHOLESALE AND RETAIL 



(53 



CEDAR STREET, NEENAH. 



252 THE "GAZETTE" BOOK FOR 1877-8. 



JAMES R. BARNETT, M. D., 

U- S. PENSION SURGEON. 
Office over National Bank, corner Wisconsin avenue and Cedar street. 
I (See illustration, pa<4e 111.) Began practice in Neenah in 1871. 



E. W. CLARK, M. D., 

SURGEON AND HOMEOPATHIC PHYSICIAN, 

Office and residence corner Cedar street aud Doty avenue. Began practice 
in Neenah in 1870. 



DR. S. GALENTINE 



PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON. 

Office and residence, Columbian avenue. Commenced practice in Neenah 
in 1855. 



DR. N.S. ROBINSON 

PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON- 

Office and Residence on Commercial Ayr. 



Wisconsin Avenue, - - Neenah, 



GEORGE W. TODD, 

Real Estate and Probate Business a Specialty. 

OFFICE, IN P.^TTEn's HLOCK, - - - WISCONSIN' AVE. 

H 7 17" W E BSTE R , 

ATT©MHKY AT lAW.j 

Also Dealer in Real Estate. 

WISCONSIN .WEXUE, - - - NEENAH. 



BUSINESS DIRECTORY, 253 



^^' ^^w^ ^^m ^^H?\ ^^^'' ■■ ^'^- ■^^W T^'-' ^^^^ ^^^ ^Sm ^Wft ^!!!^' ^fffWro ^ 

Conveyancer and Collection Agent- 

OFFICE IN PETTIBONE BLOCK. ^ _ - WISCONSIN AVE. 



(GENERAL 

Fire, Marine, Life and Accident- PATTENS BLOCK- 

mHN BRArTHWAITE 

^ SiicTPssnr to C. B. MANVILI.E. 

PHOTO O R A P II E R . 

WISCONSIN AVENUE, - - - NEENAH. 



OEO. O. KINOSI^I^KY, 

SiiccH^ssor to A. L. BfiADLKY. 

Practical Jeweler. 

l)e;ih-r ill Fine Gold (Toods. \V itclios. Clocks. Si] vei-\v.ne, otc. Bp^raii hiiini- 
iK'ss in Neoiiah in 1877. 



Oldest Jewelry House in the City- 

O E O ROE R O O F: R S. 

CJloc*k», ITiiie ^$ilv<EM'^*vax*e, Etc. 

Mr. Ro^Ters is one of Neenab's pioneers, coming here in 1847. 
In 1856 he bought out AVheeler & Barnard, in the jeweh-y and 
toy trade, and has ever since con<hu'ted the business. 



Union House, 

ADOLPH PFIFER. Prop- - - CEDAR ST- 

CouiiMenced busiiiosK in 18WI. 



254 THE ''GAZETTE'^ BOOK FOR 1877-8. 



miscella.neoi:ts list 



Bailey, J., brick maker. 
Bergstrom, C, blacksmith. 
Bishop Bros., marble works. 
Bonner, G., restaurant. 
Brown, John, boots and shoes. 
Butterliekl, \Vm., blacksmith. 
Clark, J., harness-maker. 
Clausen, C, boots and shoes. 
Cook, M., harness-maker. 
Deal, M., boots and sliots. 
Deal, Louie* boots and shoes. 
Dempsey, W. J., cigars. 
Dunn, L. J., & Co., grocers. 

Eisenach, A., boots and shoes. 
Eisenach, C., l)(t(jts and shoe.s. 
Eisenach &. Kraby, Ins. agents. 

Erwin, E., groceries. 

Faas, ¥., harness maker. 

Fitzpatrick, .1., groceries and 

provisions. 
Gagnon, A., grocery. 

Gans, L., clothing. 

Gerhardt, C. P., liats, caps, lurs. 

flail <k Bro., agricultural iiiiple- 
ments. 

Hamilton, J. B., attorne}'. 

Hardei, H., gunsmith. 

Haas, S., dry goods. 

Hesse House, Wm. Hesse. 

Hirsch t"<£ C'O., saloon. 

Hove, C, architect. 

Hunt, John, pork packer. 

Island House, J. Kussell. 

Johnson & Co., machine shop. 

Johnson & Myhre, blacksmiths, 

Jorgenson, H. C, furniture. 

Kellogg & Coats, livery. 



Kerwin, J. C, attorney-at-law. 
Kimberly &Babcock, dry goods. 
Khnke, K.. boots and shoes. 
Lansing, W, poster manipulator. 
Longhurst, ^V. H., baker. 
Loos, A., bakery. 
Mayer, J. H., ag'l implements. 
McLellan, John, meat market. 
Michel, F., baker. 
Mitchell, J., meat market. 
Monaghan, J., blacksmith. 
Moss & Cotton, dry goods. 
jMurer, F., saloon. 
jXary, J., blacksmitli. 
Xc'lsoii c^ iruiicy, ]>lacksiniths. 
jXeustetter, ('., cigar manufact'r. 
()lds, G., wagon-mal<t'r. 
Olsen, X., blacksmitli. 
Paepke Bros., groceries and pro- 
visions. 
Page House, C. O. Page. 
Paine, J. E., confectionery. 
Petzold, G, leather and findings. 
Pliipps, George, druggist. 
Pingle, John, saloon. 
Ruth, G., dry goods and notions. 
Sanford, J. A., planing-mill. 
Smith, Alfred, liquor dealer. 
Stilp, J., boots and shoes. 
' Sturm, .John, saloon. 
Sutton, C. W., coo})erage work. 
Swartz, F., c^ Son, boots ct shoes. 
Tippens, Fred, millinery, etc. 
Thomas, Charley, barber. 
Weickert, j\L, planing-mill. 
Wildie & Gleason, druggists. 
Young & Kellogg Bros., grocers 



APPENDIX 



ISTEENAH 



i;Iiitrcf| wt^t0r|. 



(.^ONTAINIXG TWO 



Historical Sermons 



By Rev. J. E. CHAPIN 



WITH SKETCHES OF 



CHURCH HISTORY 



BY OTHER RESIDENT PASTORS. 



NOTE 



The following- chapters were not prepared for publica- 
tion in this form, and were written in 3876, being more 
particularly a history of the Presbyterian society in this 
place. They contain, however, a general sketch of every 
religious organization in the city, and so much of other 
valuable and interesting matter, that vve gladly append 
them to our own labors. G. A. C. 



Jreenah Blumdi JiUiomj. 



HISTORICAL SERMONS 

By Rev. John E. Chapin. 

PASTOR PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 



Ps ALMS 137, 5-6: If T forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my ri^ht hand forget 
her cunning. If 1 do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the riiof of 
my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem to my chief joy 

^sHE Psalmist, speaking for eaeli of his countrynieniii that 
far-off banishment, to Babylon, resolves never to forget 
what was so dear to them in a thousand past memories 
and so identified with their experiences and hopes. 
'^^i^''-" Nor should we allow any space of time or piesent inter- 
ests to sever ns from our past. There is History, with its rich 
lessons and thrilling scenes. Let us hear her voice. There are 
scenes softened in the retreating distance so as to infuse us with 
floods of tenderness. Let us look upon them until every bitter- 
ness of the heart shall be washed away. That must be indeed 
a sadly defective nature that has no desire and seeks no oppor- 
tunity to contemplate the past,— that never feels the stirring and 
enriching influences of memory. And so to-day we turn back 
upon our history as a church to gather up names and facts too 
precious to be lost, and to bind ourselves afresh to that for 
which we have lived. We say to-day, witii the Psalmist of old, 
that we will not forget, that we will not let die that which is so 
full of sacred recollections and so precious with hope. 



6 APPENDIX. 



IN THE SPRING OF 1846, 

Just thirty years ago, from the spring of this year, there were 
but four wliite families within a radius of eight miles about 
this place. Harrison Reed lived in the old house south of the 
iee-house near the lake shore; Governor Doty in the log house 
on the Island, so well known; Mr. Mansur about three miles 
south, and IVIr. Ira Baird, at first in a log house at the west end 
of vvhat is now Wisconsin avenue and near the old government 
mill, and socn afterward on what is now the farm owned by Mr. 
Tipler, just beyond Mr. Merriman's. A trader had lived some 
years before tiiat near the great elm on the point. Mr. George 
Harlow and Mr. G. P. Vining came in the spring of 1845 and 
kept })achelor's hall in the log house above named. 

THE FIRST PROTESTANT RELIGIOUS SERVICES 

Held in tlie place was by a traveling Methodist minister in 184") 
The service was at the residence of Mr. Harrison Keed. The 
congregation was composed of all the white American popula- 
tion then here, a n< I consisted of seven persons. There was a 
time when two of this population lay dead on one day. an in- 
stance of mortality rarely experienced by a community, for it 
was tlie loss of two-sevenths of the inhabitants. There were 
only about seven thousand inhabitants in the entire region now 
comprising the State of Wisconsin. It is almost impossible to 
realize the marvellous progress here indicated; for in this brief 
i space of time, a space which leaves the child then born still 
I young, the population has increased to nearly a million and a 
half, and of this jjopulation over 450,000 were born within the 
State. Wiien many of this audience were infants all this was a 
trackless wilderness, peopled only by powerful Indian tribes. 
The Indian trader indeed, the French soldier and the Jesuit mis- 
sionary began more than two centuries ago to traverse these 
waters, passing from the great lakes to the Mississippi, but they 
have left scarcely a trace behind. The foundation stones of the 
old Jesuit mission building established in 1671 at Depere, re- 
mained until a short time since, when a manufacturing estab- 
lishment covered the spot. The old French post at Green Bay, 
from whence reinforcements were sent to strengthen the French 
against Braddock and to participate in the overthrow of the 
General, is now quite obliterated. 



KEEN" AH CHURCH HISTORY. 



THE HILL OF THE DEAD, 

Only a mile below our city, was penetrated bj^ the Northwestern 
and Wisconsin Central Railways, and many human remains dis- 
covered. The tradition is that there a band of the Sauks and 
Foxes was destro^'^ed by a French expedition. The story, as I 
have been able to gather it, is, that these Indians, becomino; 
exceedingly troublesome to the trading boats passing the river, 
compelling them to come ashore at that point and pay tribute, 
a fleet of boats was manned with soldiers by Capt. Morand in 
the year 1746, about 130 vears ago, and so disguised by a cover- 
ing of cloth as to seem loaded with goods. These started 
from the Bay up the river. About three miles below, just be- 
fore emerging from the Grand Chute and somewhere above 
where Appleton now stands, a part of the soldiers left the boats 
to surround the Indians from the shore. When the boats reach- 
ed the part of the river near where the railroad bridge now 
crosses, the Indians assembled upon the bank signalled them 
ashore as usual; but the coverings were suddenly lifted and in- 
stead of richly laden prizes, they beheld soldiers, and received 
a deadly volley. In the meantime the land force had come up 
on the rear and in the woods along the shore, and almost the 
entire band was slaughtered. This mound was their sepulchre. 
Here also the great council, where Gen. Cass and other commis- 
sioners of the United States treated with the Indians in 1827, 
was held. At this time also the United States soldiers fired can- 
non from that point at a target set up on the shore just in front 
of the residence of Mr. Hiram Smith to inspire the Indians with 
a sense of the nation's power. Oar council tree on the point 
has, so far as I can learn, no historical dignity, but must depend 
on its hoary age, its wide-spread and shadowing arms, its beau- 
tiful outline and leafy glory for interest and admiration. The 
most visible trace of this ancient possession is to be seen in a 
small portion of our population and their religion. That mix- 
ture of Indian and French blood, seen more or less along this 
primitive highway and its devotion in general to the Roman 
Catholic church points, back to the French possession and the 
Jesuit missionary teaching. 

So that the civilized and Christian possession and develop- 
ment of this region really begun about thirty years ago. 



APPENDIX. 



THE REV. O. P. CLINTON, 

then an exploring agent of the American Home Missionary So- 
ciety, was tlie first Protestant minister that estabhshed himself 
on the ground. He still lives on our beautiful Island, on the 
spot of land donated to him by Gov. Dotj^ and prosecutes the 
Home Missionary work. 

Through publislied correspondence and personal effort on his 
part, attention was called to the location, and emigration began 
to flow in. By the fall of the year 1846 the Jones', the Yale's 
the Brien's, the Northrop's, the Wheatley's, Deacon Mitchell, 
and others came. 

The second Protestant religious service ever held in the place 
was held that year by Mr. Clinton in a log house which still 
stands on the point, near where Mr. Holbrook now lives. There 
were twelve persons present. 

FIRST CHURCH. 

The first movement towards a church organization was in re- 
sponse to a call issued to the " friends of religion " who desired 
to be "associated in the organization of an evangelical church.' 
The meeting was held at the residence of Mr. C. Northrup, on 
the 22d of January, 1847, and consisted of the following persons: 
Key. O. P. Clinton, L. A. Donaldson, Mary L. Donaldson, Cor- 
nelius Northrup, Caroline A. Northrup, Corydon P. Northrun, 
John L. Sanbourn, Lydia Sanbourn, James Ladd, Charity Ladd, 
Harrison Reed, Harriet Huxley, David M. Montgomery, George 
W. Sawyer, John F. Johnston, Philip Brien and H. C. Finch. 
It was resolved to form themselves into a Church of Christ. A 
committee was appointed to examine and select a confession of 
faith for adoption at an adjourned meeting. At a meeting held 
Feb. 9th, 1847. this committee reported and their report was 
adopted. 

THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 

Polity was then adopted by a vote of 12 to 5. The following 
resolutions, adopted at that meeting, without a dissenting voice, 
is indicative of the Christian sentiment then prevailing. The 
first is on the Sabbath: 

RpKnlvtd^ That the Christian Sabbath is one of the main pillars 
of our civil and religious institutions, and that the welfeve of our 
country, the purity of the church, the prosperity of religion, and 
the salvation of souls depend greatly upon the perpetuity of its 



NEENAH CHURCH HISTORY. 9 



sacred observance; that the observance or des'^.cration of the 
Sabbath is to a great extent governed by the precej)t and ex- 
ample of professing Christians; and that attending to se:;ular 
business, indulging in conversation upon worldly subjects, or 
journeying upon the Sabbath is inconsistent with this sacred in- 
stitution. 

The second is on the subject of temperance, and is as follows: 

Rexoli)ed, That the traffic in, or use of intoxicating liquors as a 
beverage, is a practice wholly inconsistent with Christian char- 
acter and should be a barrier to Christian fellowship. 

The third is as follows: 

lieso/red, That in the opinion of this church American slavery 
is a sin; that the ministry and all Christians are bound in con- 
sistency with their high profession to rebuke all sin, and to use 
their influence to remove all oppression and to secure equal 
rights to all men; * * * that while we deprecate all harsh 
language and rash measures in attempting to remove this evil, 
we will nevertheless avail ourselves of all suitable measui'cs ac- 
cording to our judgment, to enlighten and correct the public 
mnul in regard to tiie abominations of slavery, and wipe the 
foul and disgraceful stain from our land. 

The church was fully constituted on the Sabbath of the first 
communion, April 4th, 1847. The preparatory lecture had been 
preached by the Rev. O. P. Clinton on the preceding Thursday, 
from Rom. 12; ], and J. F. Sanbourn was appointed to act as dea- 
con. Twelve persons then presented letters, all from Presl)y- 
terian or Congregational churches, and on the day of C(Hnmun- 
ion gave public assent to the church covenant. Of that number 
Mrs. Harriet Huxley is now a member of this church. Deacon 
Mitchell died in communion with this church in July, 1873. 
Of the rest, Mr. and Mrs. Clinton live on the Island, Mr. Ladd 
on his farm near this city, and the Northru}>s, or some of them 
at least, in Menasha, are members of the Congregational Church 
there. Several who tiad participated in the preliminary meet- 
ings did not see their way clear to unite at the last. 

At the next church meeting the election for tiie otfice of dea- 
con resulted in the choice of J. L. Sanbourn, Samuel Mit(;hell 
and C. P. Northriip to serve until the annual meeting in De- 
cember. The church, thus constituted, was received by the 
Maaison convention, which met at Waupun, Aug. 1, 1847. 

The regular place of worship at this time was in an old log 
!;uilding which stood toward the east end of Doty avenue, about 
opposite to the front of Mr. John Kimberiy's residence. The 



10 APPENDIX. 



Indian ponies were cleared out and necessary repairs made for 
the purpose. The only trace of the building now remaining is 
one of the corner stones still in its place in the rear of the lot 
on which Mr. Win. T. Patterson now lives. A store-room which 
h'tood on Wisconsin avenue, somewhere between Mr. Theodore 
Brown's residence and the railroad track, was afterward rented 
and occupied till the brick church was built. 

In the fall of 1847 measures were taken to inculcate and pro- 
mote the missionary spirit and work. It was resolved that the 
monthly concert of prayer for the conversion of the world be 
observed by this church," and a time and arrangements were 
appointed for the conduct of the meeting. Measures were also 
taken to secure subscriptions to the Misaionari/ Ilem/d, and to 
secure collections for the American Board of Foreign Missions. 

The Rev. O. P. Clinton was chosen, from time to time, to be 
the stated supply of the church until he finally declined to serve 
in this capacity in the spring of 1851. He was assisted in his 
missionary labors for a short time in the fall of 1848 by the Rev. 
J. AVhittlesey; and again in the summer of 1849 an effort was 
made to procure the services as an assistant of the Rev. D. 
Lewis, a Welch Congregational clergyman, but it does not seem 
to have succeeded. The memory of Mr. Clinton's labors, 
christian kindness, and faithfulness, is still warmly cherished 
among the pioneers of this city. 

FIRST RECORDS. 

It seems that the records of the church were first examined 
and approved at the meeting of the Madison convention at 
Fond du Lac in August, 1848. The name there signed as mod- 
erator is a striking index to the marvellous growth of the North- 
west. Jeremiah Porter is the name. He was the first Protes- 
tant minister in Chicago and organized the first church there. 
I met with him in Marrietta, Georgia, in 1864, where he was 
laboring in the hospitals, and remember him as a very active, 
pleasing, and not yet an old man. He still lives somewhere in 
the west — the great city of Chicago and its sui rounding empire 
having grown up within the compass of his manhood. 

During Bro. Clinton's pastorate the Congregational church at 
Menasha was organized. This settlement began later than ours. 
The first mention of preaching there was in August, 1849. The 



NEENAH CHURCH HISTORY. 11 



first communion was held there in July, 1850, this church seem- 
ina; to have met there for that purpose. In January, 1851, a 
motion was carried at a church meeting to grant letters to those 
who wished to aid in forming a church at Menasha. 

There were added to the original membership up to the close 
of Bro. Clinton's pastorate, twenty-eight membei-s, six of whom 
are now members of thi^ church, viz: Deacon Enos, Mrs. 
Nancy Brien, INIr. and Mrs. Charles Shoemaker^ Dr. Gallentine 
Mrs. Mary Gallantine and Mr. Ranney. 

VILLAGE ORGANIZATION. 

AVe now turn to trace briefly the steps in the formation of a 
Presbyterian church. The village out of which our city grew 
was organized, it seems, early in the year 1847, the first village 
lots having been sold in August of that year. It was named 
Winnebago Rapids. The name of Neenah, since adopted, I 
learn from Mr. Thomas Jourdain, a descendent oi the Winne- 
bago tribe of Indians, is a term from that language, signifying 
" water." The name of our sister city, Menasha, is also a Win- 
nebago word, meaning "island." Thus is the memory of the 
drifting and perishing aboriginee inscribed upon our civiliza- 
tion in the indelible beauty of the names he has left us. The 
village burying ground was on the spot now i)artially occupied 
by the residence of Mr. Proctor. 

In the August of 1848, the 

REV. H. M. ROBERTSON, 

a missionary of the Presbyterian Board of Domestic Missions 
visited the place and the first attempt was made to collect a Pres- 
byterian congregation. In the month of September following 
he began to preach statedly attlie house of Loyal H. Jones. This 
was near the west end of Wisconsin avenue, not far from ihe old 
mill; now superceded by the Winnebago paper mill. He then 
lived in a log house. In this house, since destroyed, the service 
was held, according to the record, until November. During 
that month the service was held in what was called the log 
school house, tlie same building above named in which the 
Congregationalists worshiped. In December a large room was 
fitted up over the store of Yale & Jones, and occupied until a 
church building was erected. This room still remains in what 
is now the Jensen House, just where the railroad track crosses 
Wisconsin avenue. Here the 



12 APPENDIX. 



CIIUKCII WAS FORMALLY ORGANIZED, 

December 15th, 1848, by a committee of the Presbytery of Wis- 
consin. The committee consisted of two ministers, the Eev. 
Ehas S. Peck, now residing at Waupun, and a member of the 
Presbytery of Winnebago, with which we are now connected, 
and the Rev. Thomas Frazier, now in Cahfornia. It is styled 
the First Presbyterian Church of Winnebago Papids. The or- 
iginal members were Rev. Milton Huxley, Osial Wilcox, Loyal 
H. Jones, Mrs. Matilda Jones, Asa Jones, Mrs. Rhoda W. Jones, 
Robert Owen, Mrs. Mary Owen, R. M. Davis, Perrene Yale, 
Mrs. Sarah Yale, MissCIarrissa B. Yale, Mrs. Emiline Danforth, 
Mrs. Mary Ann Scott. Mrs. Lemisa J. Robertson, Mrs. Elizabeth 
Ann Weed and Miss Emily Gomar. On the following day, 
Dec. 16th, Miss Sarah E. Yale was received by examination^ 
thus making the whole number 18. 

The othcers elected were: Ruling Elders — Rev. Milton Hux- 
ley and I^oyal H. Jones; deacon, OsialAViloox. The church was 
first reported in Presbytery at its meeting in Milwaukee, April 
25th, 1849, when the Rev. A. L. Lindsay was moderator. 

Of the original members of this organization, only one re- 
mains to us, Mrs. Mary A. Scott. 

In October, 1849. the session was enlarged by the election of 
Wm. M. Lindsay to the office of Ruling Elder. 

Stepn were taken early in 1851 toward the building of a house 
of worship. In the month of May the site was selected and the 
trustees instructed to purchase. The spot selected and now 
occupied by tliis house of worship was once an Indian burying 
ground. Apj^lication was made to the board of church exten- 
sion for aid, to the amount of three hundred dollars. The old 
church, now in thei)OSsessionand use of the Methodist brethren 
was thus begun, and was finished and dedicated in the month 
of January, 1852, the father of the pastor, the Rsv. Mr. Robert- 
son, of Winneconne, assisting in the service. An instirance was 
then procured on the house of two thousand dollars and arrange- 
ments made for the appraisment and sale of slips. In March a 
meeting of the trustees, of which G. P. Vining was the chair- 
man, was held in the vestibule of the church; and at this meet- 
ing Peter McLeod was employed as sexton at a salary of ^45 per 
year. And this is a fair measure of all church salaries at that 



yEENAH CHURCH HISTOR Y. 13 

time. The ministers of both the churches seem to have received 
from 1400 to $450 each per annum. It was the place of worship 
for that congregation for a period of eighteen years, and is hal- 
lowed by many dear and precious associations. It is a matter 
of satisfaction to all who toiled there, and still love the place, 
that it is in the hands of those who love the gospel and sing the 
songs of redeeming love. 

THE REV. MR, ROBERTSON 

Closed his connection with the church in December, 1853. after 
a service of five years. He preached his farewell sermon on the 
4th of December, from 1 Sam., 7, 12: " Then Samuel took a 
stone and set it between Mizpeh and Shem, and called the name 
of it Eben-ezer, saying, ' Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.' " 
It was a day of much interest. Mr. Robertson, then young in 
years, as in the ministry, was of an ardent and strong nature. 
He has since risen to considerable distinction as a preacher and 
is now the pastor of a strong church in central Ohio. 

During his ministry here the following persons, now members 
of this church, were received into membership; In 1849, Mrs. 
Harriet Huxley, Mrs. Lindslty, Deacon Cooke and wife, and Mrs. 
Aurelia Kimberly, who, though dead, is represented in the 
church by her children. Mr. Hiram Shoemaker, who still 
Jives among us, though a member of another church, was re- 
ceived in this year. In 1850 Peter McLeod and wife were re- 
ceived. In 1851 Mr. and Mrs. Jamieson and Mrs. Edward 
Smith, and in 1852 Mrs. Hamilton, Mr. and Mrs. De Merritt and 
Mr. Edward Smith. In 1853 INIrs. McGregor. 

THE REV. C. A. ADAMS 

A devoted and useful man, succeeded Mr. Clinton as pastor of 
the Congregational Church early in the year 1851. He 
left the field near the close of the year 1852 and died ten 
days afterward, at his father's house in another part of 
the State. During the two years of his labor, the brick church^ 
now occupied by a branch of the German Lutherans, was under- 
taken. It was not, in the first place, the particular enterprise of 
this church, but of a joint stock company. It was finally as- 
sumed, in an incomplete condition, by the church, and so far 
finished as to serve the purpose of worship. It began to be used 
for school purposes in the fall of 1852. It seems to have been 



14 APPENDIX. 



completed in the month of February, 1854, but there is no record 
of its dedication. It was reported to the convention in 1859 as 
costing $2,000, $208 of whicli was received from the Cliurcli 
Erection Fund. The congregation worshiped here until the . 
summer of 1864, a period of about twelve years, when the build- 
ing passed into the liands of the Methodist brethren, and was 
used by them until they sold it to a branch of the German 
Lutherans, its present occupants. 

Mr. and Mrs. Squires are the only present members of this 
church, so far as appears, who were received under the pastor- 
ate of Mr. Adams. 

In January, 1853, the 

REV. J. M. WOLCOTT 

was engaged to preach for one-year to the churches of Neenah 
and Menasha. It was at this time that Mrs. Fred Wheeler, 
then Miss Caroline Ranney, became a professing Christian. 
The statistical report of this period shows a total membership of 
25; average congregation, 75; Sabbath school membership, 45. 
In September of this year the 

REV. A. LATHROP 

Appears as the supply of the church, and continued until the 
fall of 1854. 

And just asthis pastorate closed in the Congregational Church, 
that of the 

REV. J. H. ROSSEEL 

Began in the Presbyterian. He entered upon his labors Sept. 
24th, 1854, and was installed in 1857. The committee of Pres- 
bytery officiating on the occasion consisted of the Rev. R. 
Frame, the Rev. R. Smith, and the Rev. L. C. Spafford. In the 
second year of this pastorate, viz: in 1855, Elder Lindsley died, 
an ethcient member of the session, the superintendeut of the 
Sabbath school, and the leader of the choir~a loss which seems 
to have been deeply felt by the little church. 
In the meantime the 

REV. HIRAM MARSH 

Had become the stated supply of the Congregational Church. 
He began his labors in April, 1855. The statistical report for that 
year showed an increase of but three (3) members and a falling 
off in the congregation and Sabbath school. These at once re- 
vived, both in numbers and interest. 



NEENAH CHURCH HISTORY. 



At the communion season in November, 1856, there is a notice 
of remarks by the Rev. Albert Baker, of the methodist denomi- 
nation. A congregation was gatliered as early as the year 1849, 
and the methodist Church organized in the latter part of that 
year, in the upper room used by the Presbyterians at that time. 
The Rev. Wm. H. Sampson was the minister who organized the 
church. 

In December, 1856, the Rev. O. Parker, an earnest and able 
evangelist, came by invitation of Bro. Marsh, and began daily 
meetings, which continued four vveeks. The meetings steadily 
increased in numbers and power. Christians of different denom- 
inations joining in them, until the house became too small. 
Then the Presbyterian brethren opened their house, whicli, 
though twice as large was immediately crowded. As the result 
of this effort 23 were added to the Congregational Church, 22 to 
the Presbyterian, and several to other churches. Of the num- 
ber added at this time, and the year previous, to the Congrega- 
tional Church, there remain now to us Mr. Alden, Edward 
Marsh, Mrs. Fenton, Mr. Dunn, Mrs. Patten, (since dead) Mrs. 
Mitchell, Mr. and Mrs. Wright, Mr. Stiles, Miss Jane Ranney, 
Mr. Webb, and a little later Mr. Marsh. Of those added in the 
same period to the Presbyterian Church there remain to us now 
Jolm Loyd and Mrs. Loyd, David Blakely, Mrs. Jenkins, Mrs. 
John Brown, Mr. McGregor, Mr. and Mrs. Clement, Mr, Bab- 
cock, Mr. Stevens, Mr. and Mrs. Merriman, Mr. and Mrs. Ful- 
lerton, Mr. Kimberly, Miss Emma Kimberly, P. R. Williams 
and wife, Mrs. S. R. Moore, and J. Proctor, in all 34 persons out 
of about 55, after 20 years. Mr. Parker, whose labors were so 
blessed to this community twenty years ago, died last winter 
from a fall on a door step while in the midst of a ])recious re- 
vival somewhere in New York. 

MR. MAESH 

closed his labors with the church early in 1858, but continued to 
reside here, often assisting in the work of the gospel, until his 
death, in 1874, at the age of 79. He was a good and wise man 
and his memory is blessed. In the latter year of his pastorate. 
Father Millard, John Millard and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Johnston 
were added to the church. He left the church with a member- 
ship of 72, a congregation of 130 and a Sabbath school attend- 



16 APPENDIX. 



ance of 75. They also reported contributions that year to the 
amount of |43. 

While Bro. Rosseel was still pastor of the Presbyterian Church 
the 

REV. J. EVARTS POND 

was called to succeed Father Marsh. He was the son of the 
distinguished theologian, Dr. Pond, of Bangor, Maine. He 
took charge in the early spring of 1858, and was installed pastor 
in Jan. 20th, 1859, being the first installed pastor of that church. 
The service was held in the Presbyterian Church before a 
crowded house. The installation sermon was preached by Rev. 
C. W. Camp, of Sheboygan; the prayer was offered bv Rev. 
Hiram Marsh ; charge to the pastor by Rev. W. H. Marble, of 
Oshkosh ; right hand of fellowship given by Rev. H. A. Miner, 
of Menasha, and the address to the people by the Rev. W. L. 
Mather, of Fond du Lac. It was a deeply interesting and solemn 
service. 

IX THB SPRING OF 1860, 

The sixth year of Mr. RosseeFs pastorate and the second of Mr. 
Pond's, the question of a new school Presbyterian church began 
\o be agitated between the Congregational ists and a portion of 
the Presbyterians. The result was the withdrawal by letter in 
June of 24 members from the Presbyterian Church to the Con- 
gregational, and a change in July of that church to a new school 
Presbyterian basis. The resolution to change was carried at the 
appointed meeting by 33 votes, three declining to vote. The 
pastor and the old officers resigned. New officers were then 
elected, as follows: Oziel Wilcox and Samuel Mitchell, deacons; 
Rev. Hiram Marsh, Thomas Cooke, J. C. Enos, J. L, Millard 
and S. Roberts, elders, the latter declining to serve. It was 
then unanimously voted to request Mr. Pond to withdraw his 
resignation as pastor, to which he consented. 

The covenant was then reported by a committee, composed 
of the session and deacons, with John Proctor and Samuel 
Roberts added, and unanimously adopted. It is as follows: 

" You, viewing yourselves as subjects of special divine grace 
and under obligations to confess Christ before men, do now, in 
the presence of God, angels and men, acknowledge your obli- 
gations to be the Lord's, and do hereby solemnly consecrate 
yourselves and all that you have, forever, to God, through Jesus 



NEENAH CHURCH HISTORY. 17 



Christ; you renounce the ways of shi, and choose the Lord Je- 
hovah to be your God and eternal portion ; the Lord Jesus 
Christ to be your only Saviour, and the Holy Ghost to be your 
sanctifier and comforter. 

You take God's holy word to be your rule of faith and prac- 
tice, and you engage, by the help of His Grace, to conform to it 
in all your conduct. You promise to maintain and constantly 
attend all the institutions and ordinances of the Gospel, baptism 
and the Lord's supper, public worship, and the strict observance 
of God's holy Sabbath. 

You promise daily to maintain secret prayer, to encourage 
fkmily worship and the seasonable dedication of children to 
God in baptism, and to instruct, govern and restrain from vicious 
practice and company, all under your care. 

You promise not to conform to the world, or indulge in vain 
conversation or amusements, and totally to abstain from the use 
ana trattic of all intoxicating drinks as a beverage. 

You promise to promote edilication, purity, and peace of the 
church, to watch over its members, in Christian meekness and 
brotherly love, and to submit to its discipline until you are reg- 
ularly dismissed tlierefrom, endeavoring in all tilings to walk 
worthy of the vocation wherewith you are called. Relying on 
divine grace, thus you covenant with God and this church. 

RESPONSE BY THE CHURCH. 

We, then, the members of this church, do cordially receive 
you into our communion and fellowship. We welcome you as 
members of the body of Christ and as fellow-travellers to this 
rest. We promise, by the grace of God, to watch over you with 
meekness and love, and by counsel and prayer to help you for- 
ward in the way to Heaven. And may we live together as 
brethren, glorify Him on earth, and tinally join the t-hurch tri- 
umphant above, there to unite in tlie praise of God and the 
Lamb. Amen. 

Thus was formed the 

SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 

Of Neenah. The (thurch, however, continued in union with the 
convention until 1863, when it was received l)y the Fox River 
Presbytery, but does not appear in the minutes of the New 
School general assembly until the year 1865. The 

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 

Has a history of thirteen years. When it was formed there was 
only one church on this side the Fox river. It had seen six 
changes in ministers; had received about 125 members; about 
twice the number in connection with it at the close. It had re- 
ceived aid from the Boards of Home Missions and church erec- 
tion to the amount, of 12.290.54. How vividly these facts bring 



18 APPENDIX. 



out the early struggles and shifting fortunes of the pioneer 
churches. 
The pastoral relation of the Rev. J. A. Rosseel with the 

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 

Closed in May, 1861. Since the year 1858 there were added of 
tliose who are now in this church, Mrs. Van Ostrand, Mrs. 
Proctor, Mrs. Matthews, and Mrs. Coleman. The whole num- 
ber admitted to the church up to this time was 140, more than 
half of whom had been dismissed or had died (all but 55). Mr. 
Rosseel is still pleasantly remembered as a gentleman of culture, 
a good preacher, a iirm adlierent to conscientious conviction. 
He supplied this pulpit several weeks in the s})ring of 1872, and 
now lives at Portage City, employed to some extent in Home 
Missionary work. It is quite remarkable for a pioneer church 
to have but two pastors in the first twelve years of its history. 

THE REV. n. B. THAYER 

Was called in the summer of 1861 to sup})ly the pulpit for one 
year. He continued to laV)or here until the spring of 1864. 
Mrs, Meigs, Mr, and Mrs. Kurtz, Mrs. Gilbert Jones, Miss Isa- 
bella Brown, Mrs. Wheeler Babcock, and Mr. and Mrs. Shiells 
are of those who became connected with the church at this 
time. Mr. Thayer appears to have been quite a disciplinarian, 
judging from the records, and is remembered as somewhat ec- 
centric as well as an able preacher. He is now the j)astor of the 
Presbyterian Church at Vincennes, Ind., and has received the 
title of" D. D." from one of our western colleges. It was during 
this pastorate that Elder Huxley, an estimable meml>er of the 
session died, 1862. 

Turning now to the second church, we find that the Rev. Mr. 
Pond resigned the pastorate in November, 1861. Mr. Stiles and 
Mrs. Dr. Robinson were of the number at that time received. 
Mr. Pond was a man of sensitive nature, true piety, and of 
thorough culture— is now a pastor somewhere in the State of 
Maine. Steps were soon taken to secure the services of the 

REV. H. G, m'ARTHUR. 

He came in January, 1862, and was installed Feb. 18th. There 
were indications of revival at this time. It was during this year 
that Mr, Elbridge Williams, Mrs. Gleason, Miss Helen Cum- 
mino's Mr, and Mrs, Alex. Murray were received. Mr. McAr- 



NEEN^AH CHURCH HISTORY. 19 



timr resigned at the close of the year, and the pulpit was again 
vacant. After leaving here he became the pastor of the Con- 
gregational Church at Oshkosh, then retired from the ministry 
awhile (engaging in some business), but has since returned to 
the work. He was a bold and active man. He insisted on be- 
ing free from Home Missionary aid, and this was the iirst year 
the attempt was made by this church. It was a hard struggle, 
though the salary was but |600. In March, 1803, the 

REV. JAMES BASSETT 

Was called at a salary of |600, In September of this year the 
church was received by the Fox River Presbytery (N. S.) at its 
meeting at Omro. In the 

SPRING AND SUMMER OF 1864 

A beautiful house of worship was built on this spot, a part of 
that in which we now worship. The cost was, in round num- 
bers, 15,000. It was a great venture for the church at that time, 
but a remarkable unity of purpose and skill in management, 
together with some donations from abroad, one of special liber- 
ality by Mr. Phelps, of Lewistown, Illinois, — 1500 — and a loan of 
1500 from the Board oi Church Erection, the work was l)rought 
to completion without a debt. The session have left on 
record their grateful sense of the wonderful prosperity bestowed 
upon the enterprise by the Providence of God. 

THE DEDICATION 

Took place Aug. 12th, 1864. The Scriptures were read by the 
Ptev- Mr. Phelps; invocation by Rev. Mr. Brooks; sermon by the 
pastor; dedication prayer by the Rev. A. Bassett, now a profes- 
sor in Wabash College, Indiana; benediction by the Rev. H. 
Miner. It was a joyful day. Prayer and thanksgiving ascended 
from grateful hearts to God for His goodness and mercy toward 
them as a people. In December of this year (1861) Mr. Bassett 
resigned his charge of the church. He was especially efficient 
in pushing forward the church building, and was regarded as a 
good preacher. He married Miss Abby Jones, of the First Pres- 
byterian Church, and thay are now engaged in the Foreign 
Missionary work at Teheran, Persia. Mr. and Mrs. John Ford 
were among those added under this pastorate. 

The brick church was sold to the Methodist bretliren in the 
spring for |700, and possession being given before the new 



20 APPENDIX. 



church was ready, the congregation worshipped for a time in 
Leaven's Hall. 

THE REV. A. A. DINSMORE 

Appears as the successor of Mr. Thayer in the summer of 1864. 
The Rev. Dr. Paxton, of New York city, preached his ordina- 
tion sermon, as well as several others during his stay in the 
place, and left a deep impression upon the minds of the people. 
The chur(;h seems to have made marked advance at this time, 
being thoroughly united in its pastor and receiving a consider- 
able number of additions. They wore enabled to become inde- 
pendent of the Board, and to pay a larger salary than ever be- 
fore. Of those now with us, there were received at that time 
Mrs, Julia Ladd (now living elsewhere), Mrs. Sophia Klinke, 
Miss Henrietta Fnllerton, Mrs. Cordelia Palmer, Mr. Joim 
Brown, Mrs. Yining, Miss Fanny Oberlee, Mrs. Azel, Mrs. Web- 
ber, Father Phihps, Mr. Albert Huxley, Mrs. G. Scott and Mrs. 
Alfred Kimberley. Mr. Dinsmore left the field, to the great re- 
gret of his people, at the close of the year 1866. He went to 
Des Moines, la., wliere he labored until his health failed in 
1872. He is now pastor of a church in one of the suburbs of 
Philadelphia. 

For more than six months after the resignation of Mr. Bassett 
there was a vacancy in the pulpit of the Second Church, viz: 
from December, 1864, to September. 1865. But it was a blessed 
season in t1ie history of that church. In January, 1865, the 

REV. JOHN D. POTTER 

Yisited the church, and the word preached by him and others 
was made the power of God unto the salvation of many souls. 
For weeks the house was thronged by joyful and anxious hearts. 
The church seems to have been peculiarly prepared b}'^ the 
effort of its building and its want of a pastor for the blessing. 
There was a readiness to join heartily in active elTort and a 
great want drove them to the throne in prayer. As a result 40 
persons were received into the church — all but three on pro- 
fession of faith. Father Marsh presided at the examination of 
candidates, and the Rev. H. H, Kellogg officiated at the com- 
munion, March 25, when they were publicly received. Of that 
forty then received there remain on our present roll Mr. anc 
Mrs. Manville, Mr. George Baird and wife, Mrs. Shaft; Mrs, 



NEENAH CHURCH HISTORY. 



21 



Squires, Miss Ally Galentine, Miss Jennie Cooke, Mrs. Bentley 
Miss Eva Millard, Miss Rasmusson, Miss Delia Darrow, Miss 
Amelia Taller, Mrs. Paine, Alfred Millard, R()l)ert Jamison, Mrs. 
Toby, Mrs. Howard, and Mrs. Stevens. Of the remainder five 
are known to be dead, nine are severed from us by removal 
to other places and the rest have gone to other ehurtdies or are 
suspended. 

THE REV. J. H. WALKER 

Became the pastor of -the church in September, 18(55. He, re- 
signed in December, ISBO, after a pastorate of a little more than 
four years, to take charge of a mission in ('hicago, which has 
since become the Reunion Presbyterian Church and with which 
he is still connected. He was regarded by all as an interesting 
prea(^her and an open-hearted, earnest man, and still retains the 
afiectionate interest and regard of many in this church and 
community. We find that Mr. and Mrs. Swab, Mrs. Conover, 
Miss Ida Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Warnes, Mr Daniel Darrow, 
Mrs. Rhea, now in this communion, were of those received in 
this period. 

Turning now to the other church, we find tiiat the 

REV. J. C. KELLY - 

AVas called in the summer of 1867 to the pastorate. He was in- 
stalled December 10th, the Rev. Mr. Campbell of DePere preach- 
ing the sermon; the Rev. INIr. Milligan, of Horicon, delivered 
the charge to the pastor, and the Rev. T. G. Smith, of Fond du 
Lac, the charge to the people. The relation thus formed was 
severed in December, 1869. The reason which led to it was the 
tendency at large both m the old and new sc^hool churches to- 
ward reunion, and a desire to prepare the way for the union of 
the two churches in Ne^nah. Mr. Kelley devoted liimself with 
all his soul to the accomplishment of the result. He labored 
not only to bring his own people to that mind, but voluntarily 
put himself aside that both parties might be free to act. I have 
heard from his own lips how clear the path of duty seemed and 
how the Lord had smiled upon that path in blessing after it was 
traversed. He had the happiness to seethe result he so ardent, 
ly sought here and has enjoyed much happiness and success in 
the field of labor which lie has occupied ever since in Central 
Pennsylvania. He is remembered as a mau of substantial abil- 



22 



APPENDIX. 



ities and sound theology, much imbued with the word of God, 
one that grew by acquaintance and retained a strong hold upon 
the hearts of his friends. Mrs. Deidrick Bergstrom was among 
those received during this pastorate. 

We have now come to the end of these separate histories, for 
henceforth they are to flow as one stream. Let us linger a mo- 
ment to gather up such facts and to express su(;h observations 
as may be of value and interest. 

UP TO 1870, 
When the union took place, one of these churches had existed* 
in its two foims of Congregational and New School Presbyterian 
22 years. Nine ministers had served it for various periods, the 
longest being that by 

BRO. WALKER. 

The other had an existence of 21 years with five ministers, the 
longest period of service being that of 

BRO. ROSSEEL. 

Thus 14 ministers have labored at the foundations of this 
church in a course of 22 years. 

The officers in these churches were as follows: In tlie Congre- 
gational Church of the original deacons, Samuel Mitchell con- 
tinued in office, being re-elected from time to time, until the 
close of that organization. There were added in 1851 Nathan 
Aldrich; then in 1855 J. C. Enos. Deacons Mitchell and Enos 
were the only two in office when the polity of the church was 
changed to New School Presbyterian. After that change the 
following named persons served at different times as elders and 
deacons: 



ELDERS. 

Sam'l Galentine, serv'g 3 vears 

J. C. Enos, " 7 •' 

Rev. H. I'^arsh, " 4 '* 

Thomas Cooke, " 8 " 

John Millard, " 2 " 

J. L. Clement, " 5 '" 

Sam'l Mitchell, " 4 " 

Wm. N. Moore, " 1 " 



DEACONS. 

Chas. Shoemaker, serv'g 3 vears 
O. Wilcox, " 2 ' " 

Peter Johnson, " 1 " 

Elijah B. Ranney, " 2 " 



In the Presbyterian (O. S.) Church, the following persons 
served as elders: William Huxley; elected in 1848; died in 1861 



NEENAH CHURCH HISTORY. 23 



serving about 13 years. Loyal H.Jones; elected in 1848 and 
serving about 17 years. Win. L. Lindsley; elected in 1849 and 
died in 1855, serving about 6 years. Matthew Simpson; elected 
in 1851 and serving not quite one year. David Pangborn; elect- 
ed in 1856 and serving 12 years. Hiram Shoemaker; elected in 
1856 and serving about one year and a half. David Blakely; 
elected in 1861, and serving until the union of the churches in 
1870. John Whitenack; elected in 1861, and served about 8 
years. Robert Shiells; elected in 1865, and served until the 
union. J. A. Kimberly; elected in 1865, and served until the 
union. There is mention of only one deacon, Ozial Wilcox, 
elected at the organization of the church, but dismissed by let- 
ter in 18(>0. 

The whole number of names gathered by the Congregational 
and New School Presbyterian Churches in the 22 years of their 
existence was 236: of which there was reported as on the roll at 
the rime of the union 160, a wastage of 76 names by the ordinary 
causes, removal, death and discipline. In the other church ttie 
whole number gathered in the 21 years of its existence was 199, 
of which there was reported in the year of the union as on the 
roll 75, a loss of 124. An interesting fact that appears in the 
scrutiny of these records is that denominational lines were not 
always respected in the selection of a church by Christians com- 
ing from the older communities. Presbyterians are found to 
have presented their letters to the Congregational Church and 
Congregationalists to the Presbyterian. Baptistsand Methodists 
too contributed to both. Thus easily are separating hues passed 
when the heart seeks a Christian home and finds sympathy 
and the word of Christ. 

LET us NOW NOTE THE COST 

Of the planting and nourishing of these churches to the mission- 
ary boards. Aid was received in building the three houses of 
worship from the Chunjli P>ection Boards and from the Home 
Missionary Societies in supporting the pastors. Every minister 
who had labored with these churches had received about half 
his salary from these boards. From $200 to $250 were asked 
per year during at least 13 years of their existence, thus making 
a total of $5,850 received. Add to this about $900 received in 
aid of the church building and you have a total of $6,750 obtain- 



24 APPENDIX. 



ed from missionary funds in planting these churches. How 
much did thev return to these boards during this time? It has 
been impossible to obtain the statistics as to this, but we have a 
statement for the first 13 j^ears of one of these churches, and 
that will help us to judge of the other. The total of its con- 
tribution to the boards during all this time was $08. 31. In the 
subsequent nine years of this church's separate history, it was 
independent of mii^sionary help and is reported as giving to the 
boards about 1800; and it paid $300 received from the Church 
Erection Board. This would probablv be a fair standard for 
the other church, taking the whole history through; and so we 
would have a ttjtal given by both the churches of something 
over $1,700, leaving us at the time of the union, deducting the 
$300 returned by tiie New School church to the Board of Church 
Erection, in debt to the boards about $4,800. ^Ve shall see when 
we come to estimate the work of the united church ,how 
much of this debt still remains to be discharged. A single state- 
ment will help us to see the obligation of the western churches 
to these boards. Up to tiie year 1850 the American Home Mis- 
sionary Society alone expended in planting the gospel in Wiscon- 
sin the sum of $230,000 and had received in return at the same 
time only $17,000. I have not the means of determining how 
much other church boards have spent in the same time, but we 
may be safe in saying that they have not been wanting in zeal and 
liberality. The Presbyterian board has spent as much, and pro- 
bably more, on this locality as the Congregational; and taking 
the State as a whole, we presume there will not be much differ- 
ence. AVe are accustomed to speak of Roman Catholic alertness 
and zeal in seizing opening fields and planting their church 
system, and we have reason to admire it; but in our eagerness 
to stimulate our Protestantism we do our own agencies injustice. 
Let this great west, as well as the mission stations over tiie earth 
tell of the promptness and efficiency of our purer C'hristianity 
in planting its standards in new fields. This very locality was 
competed for by the Church of Rome; a German priest at Kau- 
kana having sought to get a Catholic colony here in advance of 
others, but he was so far anticipated by the Protestant mission- 
aries, that on his return from Europe with his colony he found 
the ground i>re-o(x^upied. The German Catholic settlement just 



NEENAH CHURCH HISTORY. 25 



east of Menasha was made by these disappointed emigrants. 
We have muoh to Jearn as Christians in the vvav of zeal and 
consecration bnt at the same time we have much in which we 
may justly glory. 

AND NOW TO YOU 

Who have been parts of this past, what thronging memories 
have come? This narrative is but the skeleton of that life 
wdiich you saw full of action, hope and fear, struggle and pas- 
sion, joy and sorrow. Into these labors and self-<lenials you 
entered; with these names you liave taken counsel; you have 
striven, you have prayed and sang, 3'ou have joyed and sorrowed. 
The dead have arisen to you; the departed have returnee ; and 
you liave communed with them again. The wilderness, the 
pioneer cabin and simplicity, the old places of worship, the rude 
streets, the plentiful game, the opening fa^m and the slowly ris- 
ing village have surrounded you in thought. But only in 
thought. In outward aspect they are gone and the marching 
years leaves them farther and farther in the distance. The 
swelling tear often and often reveals this consciousness. But 
there is an abiding past that will ever remain. The spiritual 
character here built up, the truth received from God's wora 
and spirit, the work wrought in faith and patience for Christ, 
the "hope laid up in Heaven;" these shall not fail. Jesus Christ 
is "the same yesterday, to-da)', and forever. ' All that pertains to 
Him is everlasting. And so the gospel which you planted and 
strengthened here still abides. The songs of Zion still are sung. 
Tlie faith and hope of everlasting life still remains. The glorious 
gospel is still proclaimed to sinners. And though the past of 
most of us is not the same as yours, and our experiences not 
identical, yet we rejoice in the same spiritual inheritance, our 
hearts flow together in the same love and we find our feet upon 
the same foundation rock. And looking back each upon his 
past w^e can join in glorifying that hand which has directed our 
steps and dealt us our portion. We can all say: 

Thus far the Lord hath led us; the promise has not fail'd, 
The enemv encounter'd oft has never quite prevail'd ; 



26 APPENDIX. 



The shield of faith has turned aside, or quenched each tiery dart, 
The spirits' sword in weakest hands has forced him to depart. 

Thus far the Lord liath led us; the waters have been hi^h, 
But yet in passing thro' them, we felt that He was nigh, 
A very present helper in troubles we have found, 
His comforts most abounded when our sorrows did abound. 
Thus ftirthe Lord hath led us; our need hath been supplied. 
And mercy has encompass'd us about on every side, 
Still falls the daily manna, the pure rock fountains flow. 
And many flowers of love and hope along the way side grow. 

Calmly we look behind us, on joys and sorrows past, 
We know that all is mercy now, and shall be well at last; 
Calmly we look before us. we fear no future ill. 
Enough for safety and for peace, if Thou art with us still. 



-^'^^Jmk^ii^- 



NEENAH CHURCH HISTORY. 27 




P^ART II. 



John 17: 21— '"That they may all be one." 
,^p] left our history at the threshold of union. It see^nis 
f that the conviction had often come to some minds in 
both churches that they ought to be one, and there 
V|l^:^^^ were at least tliree attempts at union, wliich, owing 
to various causes failed. So a rivalship, intensified 
often by personal feeling and sometimes, without doubt, provoc- 
ative of good, continued through all the years of weakness. 
And then when there was less material reason for it than had 
ever existed, both of the churches having for some years stood 
independent of missionary aid, though not equal in strength and 
numbers, the happy result was accomplished. 

THE ESTABLISHED CERTAINTY IN 1869 

Of a re-union of the Old and New School General Assemblies, 
the manifest advantage of the local union of the feebler chunjhes 
and the action of the pastors and sessions of the two churches 
led to renewed negotiation and harmonious issue. At a congre- 
gational meeting of the First Church, held 

DECEMBER 28tH, 18G9, 

It was resolved to appoint a committee to confer with a com- 
mittee from the Second Church to fix, if possible, on a basis of 
union. The committee appointed consisted of the session, J. 
W. Whitenack, David Blakely, J. A. Kimberly, Robert Shiells, 
and three members of the church, N. DeMerritt, Wm. T. Merri- 
man and John Fullerton. 

ON THE 29th op DECEMBER 

A similar step was taken at a meeting of the Second Church, 



28 APPENDIX. 



It was resolved by a unanimous and rising vote tiiat a union 
with the First Church was desirable, and a eommittee consisting 
of the session, Wm. N. Moore, J. C. Enos, Samuel Mitchell, and 
Thomas Cooke, together with three members of the church, 
John Proctor, Dr. S. Galentine and T. L. Clement was appointed 
to meet the committee of the First ('hurch. The joint commit- 
tee ot fourteen met Jan. 1st, 1870, and after prayer and consul- 
tation appointed a sub-committee, consisting of J.L.Clement 
and Robert Shiells, to draw up articles of union between the 
two churches. This committee reported at a meeting of the 
joint committee held Jan. 5th, as follows: 

ARTICLES OF AGREEMENT. 

" the First and Second Pi esbyrerian Churches of Neenah 
having l>y a formal vote expressed their conviction that the 
glorv of < lod and the good of this community would be best 
proiiKjted by an organic as well as an e(;clesiastical union with 
each other, 'do consent to and adopt the following as tlie con- 
ditions on which they will unite: 

"First, As soon as practical, after these conditions are ratified 
l)v each church, tiie two congregations will worship together in 
what is now known as the New School Presbyterian House of 
Worship. 

'• Second, The united churches shall be known as the Fir^t 
Presbyterian Church of Neenah, and each separate organiza- 
tion consents tiiat the property they now hold individually shall 
constitute the proi)erty of said First Church, the property 
now known as tiie parsonage of the First Church to be included 
in tins arrangement. 

"Third, The united church will assume whatever incum- 
})rance and claims may now rest upon the property of either 
church, but each idiurch before uniting shall pav up arrearages 
in tlieir current expenses that have accrued previous to the 
union. 

" Fourth, The united church will adopt for the present wliat 
is termed the rotary system of electing ruling elders and dea- 
cons, l)ut as good Presbyterians desiring to be loyal to the gen- 
eral assembly and respecting its authority, will abandon the 
system if it is not permitted l^y the united general assembly. 
' " Fifth, In order that both congregations may have an oppor- 
tunity of renting pews, as soon as a day can be fixed for that 
l)urpose, it is recommended that the congregation now worship- 
ping in the Sei;ond (.'hurch,shall vacate the pews they now hold. 

"Sixtli, The present officers of each church and society will 
act jointly as the oHicers of the united church and society, till 
tlie union is perfected and new officers elected, when their term 
of office shall expire. And it is recommended that the new 
officers be electetl at the earliest possible opportunity. 



NEENAH CHURCH HISTORY. 29 



'* Seventh, It is recommended that during the current year 
the collections for the various boards of the churcti, to be taken 
up for the schemes connected with the late Old School and New- 
School assemblies alternately — a collection to be taken up for 
the church erection fund on account of the New School board, 
and one for domestic missions on account of the Old School 
board — the other collections to be designated by the session. 

" Eighth, It is recommended that each church appoint a com- 
mittee to take the necessary legal steps for adjusting the name 
and perfecting the title of the property of the united church and 
it is recommended that this committee consist of John Proctor 
and Robert Shi el Is. 

"Ninth, All other details connected with the united ctiurch, 
such as the election of a pastor, the organization of the Sabbath 
school, the kind of hymn books to be used, etc., are to be left 
for the action of the church or session, according as they may 
fall within their respective provinces. 

"Tenth, It is recommended that there be a union church and 
society sociable at Pettibone Hall on the evening of Tuesday, 
the 18th inst., to which every member of each congregation is 
invited. 

" Eleventh, It is recommended that a meeting of the united 
church be held on the afternoon of Wednesday, the 19th inst., 
at the Second Church, at 2 o'clock, for the purpose of electing a 
board of elders and deacons for the united church. 

"The foregoing is the result of the conferences lield by the 
joint committee appointed by the two churches to hx upon a 
basis of union. Signed by the officers of the joint committee. 

" Neenaii, AVis., Jan. 5th, 1870. 

" Robert Suiells, Chairman. 
'' J. L. Clement, Secretary." 

The report was adopted and the necessary steps taken to sub- 
mit it to the action of the churches. 

TUE SECOND CHURCH 

At a meeting of the congregation, held Jan. ath, adopted the 
reported conditions of union unanimously. 

THE FIRST CHURCH 

Held their meeting Jan. 17th, and took the same action, with 
one dissenting voice. John Proctor and Robert Shiells were 
appointed a committee to secure the necessary legal measures 
to unite the two societies under the name of 

THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 

Of Neenah. An act of the Legislature of Wisconsin contained 
in the volume of" Private and Local Laws" of Wisconsin for the 
year 1870, legalizing the action of the churches, and providing 
for the transfer of property, is the result of this committee's 



30 APPENDIX. 



work. The uniting of the Sabbath schools of the two churches 
was left to the management of the superintendents. 

MR. PROCTOR AND MR. KIMBERLY. 

Mr, Proctor had been superintendent of the First Presbyter- 
ian Church Sabl)ath school almost from the time of his coming 
to the place, and of the Second Church school from the time of 
its organization to the union — a period of about 14 years. Mr. 
Kimberly had been the superintendent of the First Church 
school for about 10 5'ears. By their arrangement the classes of 
the two schools were consolidated and Mr. Kimberly became 
the superintendent of the united school. 

There was a meeting of both congregations on the 19th of 
January, at which the articles of union were 

FULLY RATIFIED 

And all officers having resigned, new ones were elected, as fol- 
lows: Elders, Tiiomas Cooke, J. L. Clement, J. A. Kimberly, 
Win. N. Moore, Robert Shiells, and David Blakely. Deacons: 
Sanmal Mitchell and Peter Johnson. It was then decided tliat 
the now united church should be put under the care of the 

PRESBYTERY OF WINNEBAGO, 

Which was carried into effect at the meeting of that Presbytery, 
held Feb. 8th, at Fond du Lac, Robert Shiells acting as the rep- 
resentative of the church. 

After the Rev. Mr. Walker retired from the pulpit of the Sec- 
ond Church and during the process of union, the two congrega- 
tions worshipped together, mostly under the ministry of Rev. 
Mr. Kelley. The pastoral relations between him and the First 
Church was not dissolved by Presbyter3'^ until Jan. 4th, 1870, at 
a meeting held in Neenah. During that week the present 
pastor, 

J. E. CHAPIN, 

Came as a candnlate to the Second Church and preached two 
Sabbaths— the 9th and 16th —to both congregations. The Rev. 
Mr. Kelley preached and declared the pulpit of the First Church 
vacant on the 23d, according to the direction of Presbytery. 
Then the pulpit wis supplied by various ministers, two, the 
Rev. Mr. Duncan, of Chicago, and the Rev. A. S. Dudley, of 
Ohio, preaching as candidates. At a meeting of the congrega- 
tion, March 28th, Mr. Dudley was chosen to supply the pulpit 



KEENAH CHURCH HISTORY. 31 



for one year, with a view to a more intimate relation, but owing 
to providential hindrances did not accept. A call was then ex- 
tended to the present pastor and he began his labors the last 
Sabbath in May, 1870, and was 

INSTALLED MAY 16tH, 1871. 

The Revs. H. L. Brown, T. G. Smith and George S})inning partic- 
ipating in the service. A very pleasant social reception followed 
the service at Empire Hall. 

The tirst work that engaged the attention of the session after 
the supply of the pulpit in 1870, was the examination of the rec- 
ords of the two churches and the formation of a new roll. It 
was found that instead of a membership of 235 which the rolls 
of the two churches promised at the time of union, there were 
realh" but about 170 known active members. 

The first work which the church undertook in its united ca- 
pacity was to aid in raising the memorial fund of !j55,000,000, ap- 
pointed by the general assembly, asa monumentof the re-union 
of the 01c and New School Presbyterian Churches, which was 
consummated in the spring of the year 1870, after a division of 
more than 30 years. Each church was allowed to select its own 
object in this particular line of giving. The main object select- 
ed by this church was the 

ENLARGEMENT OF ITS HOUSE OF WORSHIP. 

After repeated conferences by the officials the plan was set 
before the congregation on the last Sabbath in July. A com- 
mittee of six was appointed to canvass the congregation. The 
work was pursued through the remaining summer and the 
autumn with much difficulty. The year was a discouraging one 
for our (then) village. Business was dull and there were but 
few signs of progress. Patten's Block and Marsh's drug store 
were the only important enterprises in the way of public im- 
provement, and there was not much expectation of an increase 
in the future. Some thought the enlargement of the house of 
worship needless. But the committee pushed forward in the 
obtaining of contributions, and as a result there was at last report- 
ed a sum of over |1,800, of wiiich the Sabbath school gave 1100.84. 
Of this sum $140 was given to the North Western Tiieological 
Seminary, at Chicago, $50 to aid in the starting of the Presby- 



32 APPENDIX. 



terian Church in Oshkosh, and the rest was devoted to the im- 
provement of this place of worship. 

THE RESULT WAS GRATIFYING, 

And it did its part in sweUing that grand report read before the 
assembly of 1871 in Chicago, by Dr. Ellin wood, giving as the re- 
sult of the memorial effort more than seven millions, instead of 
five millions of dollars. Nor did this effort divert us from giv- 
ing to tlie missionary boards, for our contributions that year 
amounted to a total of $254.59. 

THE WORK OF ENLARGING 

This l)uilding began early in September. 1870. We worshipped 
on the second Sabbath of that month in the old church and 
there continued until the work here was complete. It was a 
beautiful autumn, with little rain and a glorious Indian summer 
extending far into November. The house was ready for ve- 
dedication on the 

F'IKST DAY OP THE NEW YEAR, 1871. 

A communion service was held at the old church in the morn- 
ing, when three were received to membership, viz: Mrs. Van 
Ostrand, Mrs. Phillip Morris, and Mrs. Jane Robinson. In the 
afternoon at 2 o'clock the dedicatory service took place. Five 
ministers of four different denominations participated with the 
pastor in the service, viz: Rev. Mr. Fellows, of the Methodist 
Church in Menasha, Rev. Mr. Sargent, of the Congregational 
Church in Menasha, Rev. Mr. Babcock, of the Baptist Church 
on the Island, Rev. Mr. Gaskill, of the Methodist Church in 
Neenah, and the Rev. Father Marsh, a member of Presbytery. 
The sermon was preached by the pastor from 1 Tim. 2 : 1-6: 
"The Church a General Benefactor." About 400 people were 
present and comfortably seated. Prof. Gardner, now of the 
Normal school at Plattville, and who served us long and effici- 
ently as the leader of the choir, conducted the service of song. 
It was a memorable day in the history of the church. The suc- 
cess of the enterprise was much indebted to the attention and 
efforts of 

MR. p. R. WILLIAMS, 

One of the trustees. The total expense was in round numbers 
$2,400. 
The great disappointment of the year was in spiritual results. 



NEENAH CHURCH HISTORY. 33 



There was a prevailing expectation of a revival in the church as 
a consequence of tlie happy union and the united effort in the 
memorial work. Special preparation had been made to observe 
the week of prayer. But, though the meetings were well attend- 
ed and interesting, there were no indications of revival. The 
pew-renting on tlie Monday of that week had turned out dis- 
couragingly, and other things showed that the heart of the 
church was not ready. The meetings continued two weeks. In 
the latter part of the month the pastor assisted in an interesting 
work of grace at Winneconne, where many turned unto the 
Lord, but the preaching that was effective there failed here. 
And so there was little beside the ordinary church work for 
many succeeding months. In Marcii, 1871, a Sabbath school 
temperance societv was formed, which attracted considerable 
interest and increased to a membersliip of about 17(». About 
130 names of our young people still stand recorded on its pledge- 
book, and it had many stirring meetings. In the autumn of 
this year came the 

REMARKABLE DROUTH 

And the prevailing fires. Fire was running in the woods, on 
the farms, kindling from locomotive sparks, or spreading from 
hunters or clearings, until the whole country was full of smoke, 
and property everywhere in danger. The service one l)eautiful 
autumn Sabbath, in this house, was made uncomfortable and 
difficult by the paiifful effectof the smoke on the eyesand lungs, 
and for many <lays \t was so dense as to obscure the view not a 
little and to feel very oppressive. At last, on tiie second Sunday 
niglit of October, 

BEGAN THE GREAT FIRE 

That swept a large part of the wealth and glory of ('hicago into 
ashes, and desolated Peslitigo, just nortli of us, with the far more 
terrible loss of hundreds of lives. The awful calamities filled 
all hearts with solemnity and tenderest sympathy, and prompt- 
ed liberal and speedy supplies to the stricken (communities. 
The outpouring of the public heart was wonderful. Supplies of 
clothing and provisions were freely donated and a committee 
of citizens with physicians went to Peshtigo to distribute and 
minister to the suffering. Some of our own congregation had 
passed through the fiery deluge and escape(l onlv with their 
lives. 



34 APPENDIX. 



HUNDREDS OP FAMILIES 

Were found stripped of their all; many suffering the agonies of 
bereavement, or of painful wounds. A district of country 8 
miles wide and 40 in length was swept over by this storm. Over 
$500 were given in cash by our citizens, in addition to the liberal 
supplies of wheat, flour, groceries, and clothing sent forward; 
and more than $1,700 in cash were received from abroad and 
distributed. The following Sabbath a sermon was preached in 
this place from the words in 2 Peter, 3 :10; " The day of the 
Lord will come as a thief in the night, in the which the Heav- 
ens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall 
melt with fervent heat; the earth also, and the works that are 
therein, shall be burned up." In the evening a large congrega- 
tion assembled to hear accounts of the disaster by eye-witnesses 
and the report of the committee of citizens who had returned 
from Peshtigo. Mr. Bentley, who, with his wife, had only es- 
caped the devouring flames at Peshtigo by rushing to the river 
and standing for hours in water up to tiieir chins, and Mr. Stev- 
ens, who had witnessed the overwhelming ruin at Chicago, re- 
lated their observations. 

DR. GALENTINE AND MR. VAN OSTRAND, 

Members of the citizen's committee, then related what they la 1 
seen of the suffering and desolation, for, being the first on t'ue 
ground with supplies the scene was before them in all its fear- 
fulness. It was a thrilling and solemn day. 

About the first of November, while these scenes were fresh in 
the heart and still employed the land in ministries of mercy, 
the Rev. Mr. Waldroncameto the Methodist Church and began 
daily meetings. Some from this church dropped in and an in. 
terest began to develop. At last the meetings were removed to 
Pettibone Hall and Christians of several denoujinations joined 
in them, different pastors preaching and uniting in prayer meet- 
ings. The session of this church met twice in this week for 
consultation on the state of religion and prayer. On Sabbath 
evening, Nov. 12th, the hall was crowded by a union meeting 
and an impressive sermon on the " Need of excitement in re 
ligion " was preached by the Rev. Mr. Bennett, then residing 
at Appieton. There were already about eighteen inquirers and 
many Christian hearts were earnestly pleading at the throne of 
grace. At this stage 



NEENAH CHURCH HISTORY. 35 



MRS. VAN COTT 

Came and labored with marvellous energy for two days, hold- 
ing meetings at 10 o'clock in the morning, at 2 in the afternoon 
and in the evening sometimes until midnight. At the close of 
her labors there were about 40 who had openly declared an in- 
terest in their souls. The meetings grew in power from day to 
day. Soon after Mrs. Van Cott left they were removed from 
the hail to the old church. At the close of that week it was 
decided that each denomination should separate and work 
thenceforth in their own churches. 

THE SABBATH FOLLOWING 

This decision was a memorable day with us. It might truh' be 
called an all-day meeting. After the morning service, came, as 
usual, the Sabbath school, but on this day it was a service of 
praise, of prayer, confession and exhortation. After an hour 
for dinner, the people and scholars returned through a heavy 
snow storm and continued together until it was quite dark, some 
rejoicing in God, others asking the way of salvation. Every 
heart was melted and every tongue loosed. In the evening 
was another service of prayer. Up to the 10th of December the 
meetings continued morning and evening, almost daily, the pas- 
tor receiving occasional assistance from Rev, T. G. Smith, and 
Rev. George Spinning. Then the work was transferred to the 
neighborhood of Mr. McLeod's, meetings of great interest being 
held for some time in the school house. The meetings in town, 
however, were only diminished in number, not suspended. 
The Sabbath school was often much like a revival meeting. 
Finally at the communion of 

JANUARY 7th, 1872, 
The results of the work were gathered in. Eight united with 
us by letter, and 88 for the first time took upon themselves the 
vows of Christ. More than 40 were baptised. It was a glorious 
day for Christ. In the evening a praise meeting of grateful joy 
was the fitting crown of this wonderful work. 

During all this time there were extra meetings in other 
churches, especially in the Methodist, where the work was also 
great, and which received much strength. There were ad- 
ditions to all the cliurches, so far as I remember, as the result 
of the work. 



36 APPENDIX. 



Our young people's meeting, established at that time and sus- 
tained ever since, is one of the monuments of that revival. 

ON THE FIRST SABBATH OF SEPTEMBER, 1872, 

A plan of systematic and free-will giving was adopted by the 
church. It was to be independent of the pew rents, and was to 
provide for the arrearages which always occurred under that 
system, two thirds of the contributions being reserved for that 
purpose, while the balance was to goto missionary objects. The 
contributions were made at the Sabbath morning service and 
ranged from $10 to $36. The result was that at the next annual 
meeting in February of 1873 there was no arrearage, and $90 in 
the treasury. The congregation were encouraged by this to go 
a step ftirther, abandon the prsw-renting and trust the whole 
church exi)ense and the benevolent contributions to the volun- 
tary offerings of the Sabbath. At a stirring meeting Feb. 7th, 
1873. addressed by the Revs. T. G. Smith, George L. Spinning 
and L. Railsback, it was voted unanimously to take the venture. 
The rule adopted for the government of the giver was the apos- 
tolic one of 1 Cor. 16:2: "Upon the first day of the week let 
every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered 
him." The only security for the fulfillment of the rule was the 
conscience of the individual — no pledges were taken, no account 
kept. This has been our plan up to the present time and it has 
thus far met all our expenses and given at the rate of $250 per 
year to the Missionary Board. The total receipts per year un- 
der this plan have been as follows: For the year ending Feb- 
ruary, 1874, there was received $2,181 ; for the year ending Feb- 
ruary, 1875, there was reported a total of $2,233.30; in February, 
1876, there was reported a total of $2,923. .34; showing a steady 
increase. 

IN THE EARLY PART OF THE YEAR 1873 

Our village became a city. Mr. John Williams, the post-master 
and an energetic and public spirited citizen, whose death in the 
spring of that year was greatly lamented, was chiefly instrument- 
al in procuring the necessary legislation. The first mayor was 
Edward Smith. The material prospects of the village began to 
assume a bctrer aspect in 1871. The proposition and the build- 
ing of a new railroad — the Wisconsin Central — awakened much 
interest in that year. Quite a number of families settled among 



NEENAH CHURCH HISTORY. 37 



US in 1872, and in that year Riverside Park was purchased and 
graded. In 1873 the Globe Paper Mill was built by Kiniberl}% 
Clark & Co., some of the smaller brick business houses, and sev- 
eral private residences. Some business places, too, were much 
improved, or newly built. The bank was removed from the 
room adjoining the postofiice to its present location on the cor- 
ner. 

It was in the summer of this year (1873) thit 

OUR CHAPEL WAS BUILT. 

The subject was presented to the congregation on the Sabbath 
of June22d, in a sermon, and they were requested to come on 
the following Sabbath with free-will offerings in pledges, to be 
paid as the work went on. The day was very wet and discour- 
aging, but the amount pledged by the small congregation was 
$1,370.50. Some was added during the week, but still there was 
a serious lack of the $2,000, the amount needed. At last six 
gentlemen, Hiram Smith, J. L. Clement, J. A. Kimberly, H. 
Babcock, 1). C. Van Ostrand, and Edward Smith assumed the 
responsibility of the remainder, in addition to what they had 
already pledged, and the work was proceeded with at once. 
Mr. Newsdecker, of Menasha, who had undertaken and com- 
pleted the enlargement in 1870, took the contract for the chapel- 
Mr. AVebber also undertook the papering and varnishing of this 
room. During tliis latter work we worshij)ped in the old church, 
from the 31st of August until the 28th of September— four Sab- 
baths—and the last use we made of that house. It was sold 
soon after to our Methodist brethren, for the sum of $1,200, re- 
paired and re-dedicated by them March 1st, 1874, under the 
pastorate of Rev. Mr. Olmstead. In October some of the breth- 
ren living in the country added a small piece of land to the 
church property and built the horse-sheds in the rear of the 
chapel, the whole cost of which was about $260. Mr. George 
Scott and Mr. H. Huxley were chiefly instrumental in this work. 

THE CHAPEL WAS COMPLETED 

And dedicated as a prayer room Nov. 25th, at a very full and 
interesting meeting. Father Marsh offering the prayer of dedi- 
cation. Tuesday evening, Dec. 2d, during a special meeting cf 
Presbytery, it was dedicated socially, the Rev, T. G. Smith de- 
livering a capital address on the " Social element in church 

10 



38 APPENDIX. 



work," and the ladies giving a delightful supper. Thus was 
secured to us our pleasant, convenient and very useM chapel. 
The cost of the entire work was $1,990. The Rev. David Street, 
then of Waupaca, remained with us after the Presbytery and 
conducted a series of very delightful evening meetings. 
A few days after the dedication of the chapel, Dec. 9th, 1873, 

THE woman's christian ASSOCIATION WAS ORGANIZED. 

The society has for its object the seeking out and supplying the 
needy at home, (Christian visitation and the extension of the 
gospel in foreign lands. In its home work it is auxiliary to this 
church and in its foreign work to the Woman's Presbyterian 
Board of Missions of the Northwest. The sociables and festivals 
of the church have been chiefly under the management of this 
association, and have more fully realized the Christian ideal of 
su(;h gatherings than any that have come under my own obser- 
vation. They were so provided as to be accessable to rich and 
poor alike, and while free and joyous, were unexceptionable in 
conduct. 

THE ORIGINAL OFFICERS 

Were as follows: President, Mrs. Alexander Syme; vice-presi- 
dent, Mrs. Hiram Smith; secretary, Mrs. A. K. Moore. It num- 
bers 35 members. There has been raised by the society by 
socials, membersl lip-fees, individual donations, and personal 
solicitation a total of $580.19. Of this sum $255.55 was appro- 
priated to foreign missionary work. This includes the support 
of a native bible reader in Persia at a salary of $45 per year. 
Also the work of the young people's mission band, connected 
with the society, in maintaining a scholarship for a pupil at the 
mission school in Xingpo, China, at the rate of $40 per year. 
The sum of $305.84 has been expended for home mission and 
home work, for the poor in our own city. A woman's prayer 
meeting is also promoted by this society. 

IN THE YEAR 1874 

Our city made marked progress in public and private improve- 
ment. The Winnebago Paper Mill was built by Davis, Ford & 
Co., Mr. Patten's Paper Mill, Manville's picture gallery, Kruger 
& Willard's liardware store, the block of Hunt, Pingle &■ Wild- 
fang, and some of our best private residences. Our streets also 
began to put on a cleaner look. Some new business houses were 
also opened. 



NEENAH CHURCH HISTORY. 39 



THE WINTER OF 1874-5 

Was an extremely cold one, the coldest according to a record 
kept by some one, in 20 years. There were frequent storms of 
snow and wind that blocked up the highways and streets, some- 
times delaying the railroad trains for days, and the thermome- 
ter indicated a cold at one time of 42^. During this winter there 
was considerable religious interest in the young people's meet- 
ings. Frequent inquiry meetings were iield in the pastor's 
study or the chapel, and prayer meetings at the residence of 
Mr. Dunn, the leader of the meeting. Tliere were about 16 
hopeful conversions and nine added to the church on profession 
of faith. 

DITRING 1875 
There was considerable improvement in the city. The Russell 
House, a fine and commodious hotel, was built and is now a 
pleasant resort for the traveling public The S(;huetzen Hall, 
built by a society of our German fellow citizens, and is 
a useful and attractive building. The Fourth ward school 
house was also an important addition of this year. Some sub- 
stantial improvements in the way of private building, particu- 
larly in the vicinity of the Park, were also inade. It was a year 
of abundant harvest and considerable prosperitv. 

In the autumn a series oj cottage prayer meetings were held 
in different parts of the congregation. The result was an in- 
creasing spirit of prayer and spiritual devotion in the church. 
When the week of prayer came, the first week in January, 1876, 
it was agreed, after consultation by the different pastors of the 
evangelical English speaking denominations, to hold a union 
morning meeting and leave each church to its own meeting in 
the evening. Through the courtesy of the 

TEMPLE OF HONOR 

And the Good Templars, the meetings were l)egun and contin* 
ued for six weeks in their hall. First the reading-room was 
occupied, and at the first meeting there were 20 present, but so 
rapid and powerful was the increase of interest that by the third 
morning we were obliged to go into the large hall. From 8:30 
o'clock each morning to 9:30, and often much later, the hall was 
thronged with deeply interested people, and praise, and prayer, 
and exhortation abounded. The pastors commonly present be- 



40 APPENDIX. 



side the pastor of this church were Rev. Benjamin Freeman, 
the Rev. .J. T. Woodhead, and, toward the close, the Rev. H. F. 
Gilbert, who had just come to the city. The three denomina- 
tions principally represented were the 

METHODIST, BAPTIST AND PRESBYTERIAN. 

The evening meetings at the churches were not less interest- 
ing. Our chapel was crowded much of the time with deeply 
solemn audiences. The Rev, Mr. Freeman supplemented the 
labors of the pastor with much ability. There were about 50 
inquirers, chiefly the young*^i)eople of the Sabbath school. 
About the middle of February the meetings were confined to 
two bible reading services per week, in addition to the regular 
Thursday evening prayer meeting, and these continued till the 
communion in April. Also a children's meeting was conducted 
three afternoons per week from 4:30 to 5:30 by Mrs. Manville, 
assisted by Mrs. Moore. These were largely attended and ex- 
ceedingly interesting and continued till the summer. The 
young people's prayer meeting also was much awakened and 
increased, some of the Sabbath afternoon meetings being re- 
markable in power. The visible 

RESULT OF THIS REVIVAL 

Was the a<ldition of 30 members to tne church, three by letter 
and 27 by profession. Its chief benefit, however, seemed to be 
in the hearts of believers, dissipating clouds and leading to a 
Uvelier sense ot the great privileges in Christ. Other churches 
also participated in the blessings of this winter's work and it 
will long be remembered as a remarkable season of spiritual re- 
freshment an<i of beautiful winter weather. It was a season of 
general revival. More than 48,000 souls were added to our 
branch of the Presbyterian Church alone, in the United States, 
on profession of faith. 

WE HAVE NOW COME 

Into the seventh vear of the Unite<i Church. It is a pleasant 
fact that the history closes with a precious revival of religion. 
Let us look back now and sum up the results of the six and a 
holv vear's work. 

THE SABBATH SCHOOL 

Has liad in this time but two superintendents, Mr. Kimberly 
serving until in the early part of 1874, and Mr. Proctor, our 



NEEN'A H CHURCH HISTORY. 41 

present superintendent. It has had but two librarians, Mr. 
Marsh servinjj- until the beginning of 1874, and INIr. Dederick 
Bergstrora now in office. There are 27 classes and teachers. 
There is a library of about 627 volumes. The report of last year 
will give a fair view of the united school since the union. There 
was received from the penny collection, and on subscription 
during the year $288.68. The average attendance is 281. The 
highest number in attendance at one time was attained m the 
present year, when it reached 273. There are about 300 members 
of the school. The young people's meeting has an average at- 
tendance perhaps of 30 and meets now every Sabbath, just be- 
fore the evening service. 

The amount of money raised by the congregation durnig the 
six years is as follows: 
Congregational expenses, such as building, salaries, 

etc 114,279 00 

Miscellaneous, including special expenses and dona- 
tions, outside the regular order 2,728 00 

Contributions to the Missionar,^ Boards 1,734 00 

Total $18,741 00 

The total amount given to mission work by the separate 
churches in all their history we found, as near as could be esti- 
mated, was $1,700, the uaited church raising $34 more for mis- 
sionary purposes in six years, than the two churchesdid in their 
22 and 21 years. But at the time of the union, we found in the 
first discourse tliat there was still $4,800 of the money received 
from the Board of Home Missions alone, unpaid. Deducting 
from this amountthe $1,734 given since the union to tiie mission- 
ary board and there is still a debt of $3,166. That is a sacred 
debt and should stimulate the giving to our boards. 

THIS CHURCn HAS ASSISTED 

In the organization and building up of other churches through 
its pastor and donations, as follows: The Presbyterian Church 
at Appleton was organized in November, 1870, with 16 mem- 
bers and a Sabbath school of 38 in number, now without a pas- 
tor. In that same autumn it aide<l in founding the Presbyter- 
ian Churcli of Oshkosh, of which the Rev. Mr. Rossiter is now 
the pastor. It gave to this church in all about $150. In 1873-4 
it aided in the establishment of the church at Fremont, giving. 



11 



42 APPENDIX. 



on the day of the dedication of their house of worship $50, be- 
side smaller donations at other times. This was the first church 
established in that place and has ever since maintained public 
worship, a Sabbath school and a prayer meeting. It has also 
aided the Belgian mission beyond Green Bay to the amount of 
near one hundred dollars in money besides other donations. It 
has also contributed to the help of the French Presbyterian 
Church in Green Bav, the organization of which it aided in 
October, 1873. The pastor has assisted in revival and protracted 
meetings in 12 churches within the bounds of the Presbytery, 
preaching in this work 73 sermons. 

The number of public services, leaving out prayer meetings 
of all kinds and miscellaneous meetings, held under the direc- 
tion of the church is 764. The pastor has preached 504 differ- 
ent sermons. There have been 27 marriage services. There 
have been 65 funeral services. There have been added to the 
church 149 members on profession of their faith, and 47 by let- 
ter, making a total of 190 additions There have been removed 
from the roll by death, 14; by dismission and other means, 45; 
making a total decrease of 59. This leaves a total number of 
names on our record of 29(S. 

THERE HAVE BEEN 

The following changes in the session: Wm. N. Moore resigned 
and removed to .Toliet, III., in 1871, and Dr. Galentine was elect- 
ed as his successor. David Blakely also resigned and was suc- 
ceeded by Edward Smith. J. A. Kimberly resigned in the year 
1875, and was succeeded in the beginning of the present year by 
Edward Marsh. 

Of the deacons, Samuel Mitchell died in 1873, when three new 
ones were elected, viz: Jacob Bell, Henry Huxley and John 
Jamieson, making the number now in service four. 

ONE OF THE CHILDREN 

Of this church is laboring as a missionary in China, in connec- 
tion with the American Board of Foreign Missions, viz: a son 
of Elder Blakely. Another, Miss Martha Alden, is now being 
educated at the Western Female Seminary, Ohio, with reference 
to the foreign work. Two of our young men are also in college 
looking forward to the work of the ministry, viz: Arthur Brown 
and Newton Alden. 



KEENAH CHURCH HISTORY. 43 



We have but to say in conclusion that the blessing of our 
glorified Master has rested upon the united church. Perfect 
harmony has prevailed in the session and the congregation has 
appeared as a unit in the reception of the truth and the work of 
the church. 

THE OLD DIVIDING LINES 

Have never once appeared. The glory of its pulpit has been 
nothing but Christ and Hiin crucified. The first prayer meet- 
ing, with which the pastorate began more than six years ago, 
opened with the word and the thought, "AVithout Me ye can do 
nothing," and the first sermon was from the words, " We are 
auibassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us; 
we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." These 
were the key notes to all the utterances from this place and the 
inspiration of all the work. xVnd we are able to testify here to-day 
that the " wisdom of (irod," the unmixed w^ord of revelation, ''is 
wiser than men." AV^iiatever lack there may have been in other 
respects and whatever of weakness in the performance, the ef- 
fort has been to bring God's word to the rebuke of sin in all its 
forms and to present Christ, in the glorious gospel, as the Sav- 
iour of sinners and the Holy Cdiost as the comforter. The re- 
sult has been according to the promise. The work of union in 
the consolidation of the two churches, and the uni(^n ettbrts at 
special times by the churches of the place, have been blessed of 
God, as well as the adherence to revealed truth. 

And now as we stand in the year which ends the thirtieth of 
our city's existence, and also the one wliich ends the first cen- 
tennial of our national existence, it will be interesting to note a 
few facts of our own present standing as a community. The 
city has reached a population of about 4,300. The tax for city 
purposes amounts to $10,099; that for school purposes, $10,700. 
There are 1,279 school children. H, A. Hobart, assisted by 12 
teachers, instructs these ch.ildren. There is a lack of improved 
school buildings. The churches of the city, witii the date of 
their organization and their present strength, is as follows: 

THE WELSH CALVANISTIC 

Began worship in the year 1848, with a congregation of 10 per- 
sons and a membership of 5. The present membership is 14. 
They have a small house of worship and regular services, but 
no resident pastor. 



44 APPENDIX. 



THE WELSH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 

Organized November, 1861, with 14 members; present number 
15. A Sabbath school of 25 members is sustained by these 
churches together. 

THE METHODIST EPLSCOPAL CHURCH, 

As already stated, was organized in 1849. It now has a mem- 
bersliip of 70, with a Sab))ath school of 75. Rev. J. T. Wood- 
head is now the pastor. 

THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, • 

On the Island, though not within our city limits, is the place 
where the ('atholics on this side worship. It was built in the 
year 1855. 

THE GERMAN EMANUEL 

Society, of the Evangelical Association of North America, was 
organized in the year j85(), by the Rev. August Huelster, with 
15 members, and now has 76. Their Sabbath school numbers 
65 scholars and 14 t*3achers. Their house of worship is on the 
Island, and the Rev. A. Taruntzer is the pastor. 

THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, 

Of Neenah and Menasiia was organized in 1860, with 14 mem- 
bers. The present number is 67; the Sabbath school member- 
ship 110, with average attendance of 85. The Rev. H. F. Gilbert 
is the pastor. Their house of worship is on the Island. 

THE NORWEGIAN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 

Was organized Jan. 29, 1871, with 30 members. The present 
number is 70 and the Sabbath school attendance 35. They have 
a house of worship and a pastor, the Rev. W. L. Hoagenson. 

THE GERMAN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN, 

(Trinity congregation) wasorganized Dec. 26, 1865, with 30 mem- 
bers; present nuuiber 80. Sabbath school membership 40. The 
pastor is Rev. Otto Hoyer, and they have a house of worship. 

THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH 

Was organized July 11 , 1866. The present number of communi- 
cants is 21 ; number of Sabbath school scholars 20. They have 
a house of worship and sustain regular service, with Rev. (^eo. 
Gibson present ]iastor. 

THE CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD, 

(ITniversalist), of Neenah and Menasha, organized in 1866, with 
a membership of 49. The present membership is 56 and num- 



NEENAH CHURCH HISTORY. 45 



ber of Sabbath school 128. The pastor is Rev. H. D. L. Webster, 
and their house of worship stands on the Island. 

THE DANISH EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN 

Church (Church of our Saviour), was organized September, 
1872, with 66 members; 37 communicants. Present number, 
131. No Sabbath school, but regular catechetical work on 
Saturdays. They have a house of worship and a pastor, the 
Rev. N. Thompson. This gentleman edits a semi-monthly paper 
called 7V/e Church Gatherer, in the Danish language. It is print- 
ed at Chicago; is very neat in appearance, and has a circulation 
of about 700 copies, at $1.50 per annum. This periodical has 
been published since 1872. 

THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN TRINITY CHURCH, 

Norwegian, organized in January, 1873; have a present member- 
ship of 35, and a Sabbath school of 15; worship in a new church 
on the Island; Rev. J. C. Jacobson, pastor. 

THE GERMAN LUTHERAN 

Organized January, 1874, worshiping in the brick house, 
which they purchased of the Methcdist brethren, and 
which was built by the Congregationalists in 1852. They have 
a membership of 45, with a Sabbath school of 40. The Rev. H. 
J. Haack is the pastor. There is thus in our city a church mem- 
bership, (counting the Roman Catholics at 100,) of 978, a Sunday 
school membership of 1,153; 13 houses of worship; and 10 min- 
isters. Taking the school census lor the number of children in 
our city, we find that about 126 are left without Sabbath school 
instruction. And estimating the church membership to repre. 
sent one half of the church-goers, we have 2,000 people who are 
not regular attendants at church. 

THE CAUSE OF TEMPERANCE 

Is specially represented by the following organizations: 

THE GOOD TEMPLARS 

Organized Jan. 21st, 1870. They now number 114 members and 
have a library of 250 volumes. The Presbyterian Sabbath 
School Temperance and anti-Tobacco Society organized in 1871 
and reached a me?iibership of 130. 

THE TEMPLE OF HONOR 

Organized in Janupry, 1874, and has a present raembershij) of 
about 100. 



46 APPENDIX. 



THE CORAL WORKERS, 

A juvenile society in connection with the Good Templars, or- 
ganized April, 1875, has a present membership of 245, a library 
fund of 1125. 

THE SONS OF TEMPERANCE 

Organized in March, 1876. The present membership is about 
75. These all have weekly meetings, with the exception of the 
Presbyterian Sabbath School Temperance Society, which meets 
occasionally. There have been many special efforts in the 
cause of temperance and many public meetings, chiefly in con- 
nection with the woman's temperance union societies but not 
now in active operation. 

The organized opposing forces are as follows: The Sch.eutzen 
Bund, which is inimical to the Christian Sabbath; 15 licensed 
saloons for the sale of intoxicating drink. The extent of their 
business may be inferred from a statement received in 1874, 
when there were 14 licensed saloons. There are none of the 
keepers but what makes a good living. What are called the or- 
derly houses have an income of from $8 to 114 per day. Some 
of them receive as high as $30 to $35 per day. And we are 
quite sale in saying that no business occupies more hours of 
time and no agency is more efficient in advancing its interests — 
an interest adverse to the well-being of the community. 

Such is the religious and moral condition of our beautiful city 
in the centennial year and the thirtieth of its age. Standing 
upon the shore of its beautiful waters, supf^lied bj' nature with 
rare elements of material prosperity and comfort, liealthfnl in 
climate, abounding in useful industries and a self-reliant, eco- 
nomical population, it is a citv of promise. But one thing can 
defeat that promise, can spoil all the fruits of this beautiful na- 
ture and society, and that is moral corruption, God, who has 
given us the spot, charges in His word, upon us the necessity of 
preserving it from moral corruption, and Christian patriotism 
exhorts and pleads with its last words in the character of the 
great AVashington, embodying as he did the struggles, the spirit, 
the principles and hopes of a new civilization, to cherish religion 
and morality. Oh, if we should forget this — if in our care for 
what we shall eat and wear; if in our haste to be rich, or the 
equally fatal pursuit of selfish indulgence, we should suffer ir- 



NEENAH CHURCH HISTORY. 47 



religion and vice to grow unchecked,— if instead of standing 
against them faithfully and stoutly we should be silent and con- 
senting, the time will surely come w/Ten the sentence of ruin 
will be written before our eyes. 

" My well beloved hatha vineyard in a very fruitful hill; 
and he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, 
and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the 
midst of it, and also made a wine-press therein; and he looked 
that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wild 
grapes. And now, O, inhabitants of Jerusalem, and men of 
Judah, judge, 1 pray you, betwixt me and my vineyard. What 
could have been done more to mv vineyard that I iiave not 
done in it? Wherefore, when I looked that it should bring 
forth grapes, l)rought it forth wild grapes? And now go to; 1 
I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard; I will take away 
the hedge thereof, and it shall be eaten up; and break down tiie 
wall tliereof and it shall be trodden down; audi will lay it 
waste; it shall not be pruned nor digged; but there slmll come 
up briers and thorns. I will also command the clouds that they 
rain no rain upon it. For the vineyard of the Lord of Hosts is 
the House of Israel, and the men of Judah His pleasant places. 
And he looked for judgement, but beheld oppression; Ibr right- 
eousness, but beheld a crv." 



-^^^^/^J 



48 APPENDIX. 



ADDENDA. 



Tliese liistorical sermons were preached in accordance with 
the requestor the Presbyterian Historical Society in the centen- 
nial year. 1876 — the first one Sept. 17th, and the second Sept. 
24th. At the time oi this writing — December, 1877— there are 
some changes to be noted and some additions to be made, as 
follows: The Rev. N. J. Aplin became the pastor of the Metho- 
dist Episcopal Church about the last of October of this year. 
The Rev. Tliomas T. Potter came last winter as the]pastor of the 
Baptist Church, succeeding Bro. Gilbert. Near the same time 
the Rev. Joseph M. Tays became rector of the Episcopal Church 
and remained until the summer of 1877. He was soon succeed- 
ed by the present rector, the Rev. George Gibson. Also the 
Rev. O. C. Anderson has been the pastor of the Norwegian Evan- 
gelical Lutheran Church since August last. The Church of the 
Good Shepherd, Universalist, is now ministered to by the Rev. 
C. L. Lombard. The Rev. S. Kortemeir is the present pastor of 
the Evangelical Association Cliurch, on the Island. 

There is a Danish Baptist organization worshiping in the Sec- 
ond ward school house, of which the Rev. Lars Knudson is the 
pastor. It was formed in the year 1866, and now has a mem- 
bership of 44; it has a Sabbath school of 35 members. They are 
now engaged in building' a house of worship. 

The Seventh Day Adventists also worship in the Second ward 
school house, where services are held on Saturday, and are con- 
ducted by Elder J. P Jasperson. There are about 27 members, 
and a Sabbath school of 20 members. The organization was 
formed in June, 1870. 

On the 4th of July, 1877, there was organized a Norwegian 
Methodist Church. It has a present membership of 85; a Sab- 
bath school membership of 23, and worships in the High school 
building. The pastor is the Rev. Henry Danielson. 

Taking the two organizations overlooked in the statistics of 
1876, we find the whole number to be 15; the whole number of 
ministers to V)e 12, and the total church membership to be 1,049, 
while tlie Sabbath school tneuibership is 1,208, for that year. 

The present year, 1877, has been distinguised bv a remarkably 
fine summer and abundant harvest, a mild and very wet and 
drearv autumn, and a severe financial pressure. 

Xeenah, Dec. 10, 1877. J. E. C. 



NRENAH CHURCH HISTORY. 49 



History of the M. E. Church in Neenah, 



REV. N. J. APLIN, Pastor 

The first protestant sermon ever preached in Neenah was by 
a travelling itinerant of this cluiroh in 1845. The chnrch was 
organized by the Rev, Wm. H. Sampson in the fall of 1849, with 
seven members. The probabilities are that Neenah was at- 
tached to some other charge for a few years. It appears from 
the minntes that Albert Baker preached here in 185G. C. G. 
Lathrop also served the chnrch at an early <lay. Samuel Lugg 
was here in 1860. C. W. Brooks' name appears as the pastor in 
1863-4, at which time the New School Presbyterian Church was 
purchased by the society for 1700, and the little society felt as 
though they were gaining. T. C. Wilson served the church for 
three years', viz, 1866-7-8, with great acceptability. He built a 
very convenient parsonage. The records show that he was very 
j)opular; marrving most of the marriageable folks, and building 
up the congregation. 

In the fall of 1868 Rev. George Fellows was appointed to the 
charge, but a change was effected, r»y which lie went to Menasha 
and Rev. L. L. Knox served tlie Xeenah church for that year. 
Thomas Walker was next appointed. His administration was 
somewhat stormy and he yielded to some discouragement. J. 
H. Gaskill was sent to the charge in the fall of 1870, and served 
the people with acceptability, but he afterwards located. J. H. 
Waldron succeeded him in 1871, and by much energy, faith and 
perseverance added to the numerical strength. He also pur- 
chased an addition to the parsonage lot, repaired the parsonage 
and was quite successful in his labors. M. G. l^ristol was sent 
to the charge in 1878, and served for one year. 

AV. J. Glmstead was next sent to the charge, and it was during 
his administration that the pr sent place of worship was pur- 
chased from the Presbvterians. It is a very commodious build- 
ing. This fine church', by the aid of its friends, and the very 
liberal oHer of tlie Presbvterians to take $1,200, was secured and 
paid for. Tlie present church is valued at $2,500, and the par- 
sonage at $1,500. Bro. Olmstead did a good work for the soci«stv. 

J. T. Wood head was his successor and served thu church for 
two years with hard work and success. 

N.'J. Aplin, tlie present past<jr, was his successor in the fall of 
i 1877. He came from the Clemansville charge, where h(» had 
been for the three previous years. He has been in the Wiscon- 
sin conference twentv-four years The present report of the 
Neenah church is: Members, 110; Sabbath-school scholars, 100, 
has a good Sabbath-school library; fair congregation« and liaa a 
prospect of success. 

> 13 



50 APPENDIX. 



History, of the Baptist Church of Neenah, 

BY 

THOMAS T. POTTER- Pastor, 

A Baptist Church was first organized in Neenali in July, 1851, 
from which time regular prayer meetings and covenant meet- 
ings were held. Rev. Peter Prink assisted in its organization, 
and acted as pastor about two years. He was succeeded in 
1853 by Rev. James Andem. of Massachusetts, followed in turn 
by Revs. James Follett and Luke Davis, with intervals between 
each pastorate. Mr. Davis left in 1857, from wiiich time the 
chiircli was without a pastor. 

The membership of this church at no one time was over 25 
or 30, and the total number connected with it du:ing tiie whole 
period was but 56. These were greatly scattered and by remov- 
als it rapidly decreased after Mr. Davis left, till 1861, vvhen but 
two or three families remained in town, and the total njember- 
ship which could be counted wa« less than a dozen. 

Meanwhile, the Baptists of Menasha had been holding prayer 
meetings and made proposals to them to unite m tiie support of 
a minister, to which they acceded. The Menasha chiircli or- 
ganized on the 24th of April, 1860, adopting the declaration of 
faith known as tlie New Hampshire Confession and the coven- 
ant accompanying it. The church was recognized and admit- 
ted into the fellowship of the denomination at a council com- 
posed of the churches of Omro, Oshkosh, Xeenah, and Ai)ple- i 
ton, on the 13th of June, 1860. Its roll contained at that time 
about a dozen members. The first regular covenant meeting 
was held on the 7th of July, 1860. On the 8th of October, 1861, 
Rev. B. J. Boynton was ordained and assumed the pastorate, 
but remained only a year. On the 30th of November, 1861, the 
Neenah church voted to disband and grant letters to unite with 
the church in Menasha, or with otiier Baptist churchi^s as the 
mcxubers should cl oose. Eleven letters were granted, some to 
new residents. About six united with the Menasha church, 
viz: Mr. and Mrs. H. Slioemaker. Wm. Slierry. Mr. and Mrs. 
J. Dolson, Mrs. E. Millard anl Horace Baird. For several 
years meetings were held in Menasha, with an occasional ser- 
vice in Neenah. The Sabbath school was started in December, 
1861. In 1863 Rev. D. H. Cooley was called to supply the cnurch, 
preaching a part of the time also in other places. This arraiige- 
naent continued till June 1, 1867, when Rev. O. W. Bahcock, of 
Fayetteville, N. Y., became the pastor. With his pastorate a 
new era was inaugurated. Regular services were held in both 
Neenah and Menasha. Steps were taken to secure a house of 
worship, which resulted in the purchase of a building own©<i by 
the Norwegians, and its removal to a lot secured for the purpose 
on Commercial street, whit.'h would be a central point for the 
members of both towns. Thev met in their church on the 2d 



NEENAH CHURCH HISTORY- 51 



day ef November, 1867, and the name of the organization was 
changed to the "First Baptist Church of Menasha and Neenah." 
Kev. Mr. Babcock left on the 1st of April, 1873, after a pastorate 
ofsix5^ears. Rev. Benjamin Freeman became pastor after a 
little more tlian a vears interregnum, resigning again Aug. 29, 
1875. There was a vacancy till Feb. 27, 1876, when Rev. H. T. 
Ciilbert, a student from the Theological Seminary commenced 
preaching to the church, on July 2(i, but was compelled, on ac- 
count of the health of himself and family, to resign on the 22d 
of October of the same year. 

In November, 1876, the present pastor. Rev. T. T. Potter, vis- 
ited the church and supplied the desk till the 1st of February, 
when he was called to the pastorate. 

The church has neyer been large in numbers or strong in 
wealth. The growth has been slow but the membership has 
ever been liarmonious and few cases have called for discipline. 
The present nuniber is 7-"), of which 17 are at i)resent now resi- 
<lent. Its contributions for all benevolent objects are ready and 
generous in proportion to its means. Its expenses are cheer- 
fullv provided for and no year is allowed to close in debt. 

The present officers of the church are Rev. Thomas T. Pot- 
ter, pastor; Hiram Shoemaker, clerk and treasurer; H. W. Fish- 
er, S. B. Nelson and H. Shoemaker, deacons. 



History of Trinity Episcopal Church. 

I'.Y 

GEORGE GIBSON, Rector- 
Trinity Episcopal church, Neenah, as an organization, dates 
back to July, 1866. Previously, however, occassional services 
had been held here by the Rev. Simon Palmer, missionary at 
Appleton, and subsequently by the present rect«u-, Rev. George 
(iibson, who succeeded Mr. Palmer as missionary at that place. 
The Rev. VVm. 1). Christian, rector of St. Stephen's church, Me- 
nasha, according to the above date, called a meeting of the 
congregation together with all those intereted in the Fipis- 
copal church in Neenah, when the organization was per- 
fected by the election of the j^roper officers. George O. 
Strong and Jolm A. Brvan were (;hosen wardens; D. L. Kimber- 
ly, W. P. Peckham, John X. Stone, John Burns and L. J. Mat- 
thews were elected vestrymen. The majoritity of them have 
remained and are still meuibers of the organization to-day. 

Two years later, November, 1868, the congregation resolved 
to build, and a committee was forme<i for the puroose of facili- 
tating the project. A lot was at once purchased of Mr. (xilbert 
Jones, for the sum of $250— $100 of which Mr. Jones himself 
donated. A commencement was made on the church building 
in August, 1869, the plans, erection of edifice, etc., being under 



52 APPENDIX. 



the supervision of the Rev. E. Peake, minister in charge, who, 
if I mistake not. previously to his ordination, had been a civil 
engineer. Tlie building progressed slowly and surely, and when 
finishe i in the spring of 187-, it wps free from incumbrances. 

Up to the time o'< occupanc}^ the congregation had been wor- 
shipping in Peckham Hall, and in all fairness it may be re- 
corded that this comfortable place had been fitted up, kept in 
order and warmed by Mr. Peckham for three years. 

Up to the oresent time the two parishes of Xeenah and Me- 
nasha have had the services of a clergyman conjointly. The 
clergymen who have succeeded each otber in the duties are the 
Rev. Wm. D. Christian, who resigned in October, 1866- the Rev. 
George N. James was called in November, 1866; resigned in 
February, 1867. In March, 1868, Rev. J. A. Davenport was 
called to the parish, and continued to officiate till tlie toUowing 
Easter. Rev. E. Peake, rector of Grace church, Appieton, took 
charge of Neenah and Menasha about May, 1869, giving theiu 
afternoon services, and continued the duties till March, 1870. 
Rev. H. M. Thompson succeeded Rev. Mr. PeaKe in May, 1871. 
who came as rector of the two parisiies, residing in Menasha. 
He died Oct. 8, 1872. From ihat date the two parishes had to 
depend on Appieton for a supply of services, and Rev. George 
Verner labored until the entrance of the Re/. Joseph Wilkins 
Tays upon his duties, in October 1876. He continued until 
August. 1877, when he received a call to Kentucky. The pres- 
ent rector. Rev. George Gibson, was called ro tlie charge of the 
two parishes, 8t. Stephen's, Menasha, and Trinity, Neenah, 
Oct. 1, 1877. The present organization stands thus: Rev. George 
GiV)son, rector; John A. Bryan. John X. Stone, wardens; D. L. 
Kimberly, W. P. Peckham, Norman Willard, N. D.Stanley, ves- 
trymen. The wardens and vestrymen are elected yearly. 



Sketch of the Catholic Church in Neenah, 

BY .1. ('. 

As noted elsewhere, the (.'atholic church is located on the 
Menasha side of the Island, and serves th-^ members in both 
towns. In 1848 Father Vanderbrook, who was stationed at 
Little Chute, had services for the Catholic families who were 
settled 111 the town of Neenah. As he was about to leave for 
Europe at that time, he left behind liim a priest who attended 
to the duties of the mission in his absen(;e. Strviceb" were held 
at J. Conniffs in the Irish settlement in the town of Neenah, 
now Clayton. After that a Father Paul Faranatcii was sent by 
the bishop of Milwaukee and he otfic'ated in a log church near 
Daniel Nugent's, in the town of Neenah. He lived in the then 
village of Neenah, and attended to the missions of Neenah, 
Oshkosh and the surrounding neighborhood. He lived here 



NEENAH CHURCH HISTOR Y. ' 53 

about two 3'ear!S. After him came Father Colten, who is dow 
the resident pi-iest of Fond du Lac. He remaine(l here for 
about tiiree years. After him came Father Fusseder. He com- 
menced the ei-ection of a (Jathohc church on a piece of land on 
tlie Island donated to the Catholic con|{;regation by Captain 
McKinnon, of the British navy, who then owned considerable 
property on the Island. In his time the church was completed, 
except the seats. Father DeBecca succeeded him; after him 
came Father Cietfe, and he was succeeded by Father Dale, who 
was located at Appleton. He attended the mission at Appleton 
and Neenali for over a year. Father Wilkins was, after him, 
located at Neeiiah and became the resident priest. He re- 
mained here about three years. Father Wilkins was succeeded 
by Father Uhlmire, who remained here three years, and attend- 
ed to Xeenah and Menasha, and on Ids departure for Europe 
was succeeded by a community of the 8ervite Fatheis, who are 
now the resident clergy of Neenah. Father Venturi being their 
Superior. 



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